Shoulder surgery to sideline Bucs' prospect 10-12 months

MIAMI -- Shortstop Cole Tucker, the Pirates' top 2014 Draft pick, could be sidelined up to a year after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Tucker, 19, is expected to miss approximately 10-12 months. That recovery timeline would keep him off the field for the rest of this season and potentially most of next year's Minor League season as well.

Tucker, the Pirates' No. 10 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, was hitting .293/.322/.377 with two home runs and 25 RBIs in his first full professional season for Class A West Virginia.

The Pirates selected the switch-hitting shortstop with the 24th overall pick in last year's Draft. He last played on July 28 and was placed on the Minor League disabled list on Aug. 9 with what the Pirates described as "shoulder discomfort."

To fill his spot on West Virginia's roster, the Pirates promoted shortstop Kevin Newman, their first pick in this year's Draft. Newman has hit .276/.323/.310 since then.

Around the horn

• Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli's legs took a beating Tuesday night, as he was hit in the right foot by a foul tip and stopped awkwardly on his left foot while running the bases. He had both feet taped up before Wednesday's game but said he felt fine.

Coincidentally, Wednesday was a scheduled night off for Cervelli, and catcher Chris Stewart got the start behind the plate.

• Rookie-level Bristol first baseman Carlos Munoz has been named the Appalachian League Player of the Year. Munoz entered Wednesday hitting .328/.425/.601 with 11 home runs, 38 RBIs and 30 walks compared to 20 strikeouts in 53 games.

• Left fielder Starling Marte recorded his National League-leading 12th outfield assist Tuesday night. It's the most assists in a season by a Pirates outfielder since Jason Bay recorded 13 in 2007.