MINNEAPOLIS -- Right-hander Chad Kuhl hasn't pitched in a game since June 26, and he has not yet resumed throwing due to a right forearm strain. But the Pirates still hope to see him back on the mound this season.
Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said the Pirates are aiming to have Kuhl begin a throwing program during Pittsburgh's upcoming homestand, which begins Thursday. There are only 6 1/2 weeks remaining in the season, but Tomczyk said the Bucs' goal is to have Kuhl pitch "meaningful innings in September for the big league club."
Kuhl, who is 5-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 16 starts this season, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on July 31 and is not eligible to come off the DL until Aug. 26. The 25-year-old may not have enough time to get stretched back out as a starter this season, even if everything goes according to plan, so it's at least possible he could return as a reliever after a Minor League rehab assignment.
For now, Kuhl will continue to work through the final stages of his rehab. He said he has been doing gripping exercises, shoulder care, forearm work and weighted-ball throws off a wall to prepare his forearm and elbow for the stress of throwing a baseball.
"We're kind of doing stuff that feels normal again, so I feel like we're close to throwing," Kuhl said.

Trainer's room
• Shortstop Jordy Mercer, who exited Tuesday's game due to left calf discomfort, did not play in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Twins. Still feeling sore on Wednesday, Mercer is scheduled to meet with a team doctor on Thursday. Adeiny Hechavarria started at shortstop in Mercer's place and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a sharp, diving catch in the seventh inning.
• Center fielder Starling Marte was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to an illness. Adam Frazier moved from left to center field, and Corey Dickerson (initially the designated hitter) started in left. Elias Diaz moved into the lineup as the DH, giving the Pirates a bench of two healthy players: David Freese and Jacob Stallings.
• Sean Rodriguez, on the disabled list with a left abdomen strain, has resumed all baseball activities. He is eligible to come off the DL on Thursday, but Tomczyk indicated Rodriguez will likely be out longer "just because of the nature of where the injury was."
• Infielder Jungho Kang (left wrist surgery) will meet with Dr. Ed Birdsong in Pittsburgh later this week for a scheduled appointment. He will be able to resume swinging a bat after having his sutures removed and being cleared by Dr. Birdsong.
• Relievers A.J. Schugel (shoulder) and Nick Burdi (Tommy John) are rehabbing with Triple-A Indianapolis. Both right-handers are on the 60-day DL.
Swaggerty promoted
Outfielder Travis Swaggerty, the Pirates' first-round pick in this year's MLB Draft, is being promoted to Class A West Virginia. Swaggerty learned of his promotion just before playing in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday night, according to MiLB.com.

The Pirates made Swaggerty, now their No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, the 10th overall Draft pick in June and signed him for $4.4 million. He found instant success with Class A Short Season West Virginia, batting .288/.365/.453 with four homers and nine steals while playing center field in 36 games. He went 1-for-2 with a two-run single on Tuesday night.
"It was definitely kind of weird to take my mind off of [the promotion] and lock into the game," Swaggerty told MiLB.com. "Fortunately, I was able to do that."