Injuries & Moves: Velasquez (right elbow) removed from outing
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May 27: RHP Vince Velasquez removed due to right elbow discomfort
In his first outing off the injured list, Velasquez was removed after two innings due to right elbow discomfort. He is currently being treated. Velasquez, who hadn't started since May 4 due to right elbow inflammation, came off the injured list and rejoined the rotation following one rehab outing with Triple-A Indianapolis.
The right-hander was experiencing a resurgence with the Pirates, posting a 3.06 ERA across 35 1/3 innings before his trip to the IL. To make room for Velasquez, the Pirates designated Duane Underwood Jr. for assignment. The right-handed reliever had a 5.18 ERA across 24 1/3 innings this season.
INJURY UPDATES
60-day IL
RHP Wil Crowe (right shoulder discomfort)
Expected return: Possibly June
Crowe has began a plyometric program and the Pirates anticipate that he will begin a formal throwing program during the week of May 29. On April 29, Crowe was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list. (Last updated: May 24)
RHP Max Kranick (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Potentially 2023
Kranick is throwing bullpen sessions twice per week and the Bucs anticipate him throwing a live session towards the end of June. He likely won't return to games until the second half of the season.
The right-hander underwent season-ending surgery on June 3, 2022, and the recovery process generally takes 14 to 16 months. (Last updated: May 24)
SS Oneil Cruz (fractured left ankle)
Expected return: August
The Pirates anticipate that Cruz will be out of his walking boot in the next 10-to-14 days and begin the process of getting his strength and range of motion back.
Cruz fractured his ankle after sliding awkwardly into home plate against the White Sox and colliding with catcher Seby Zavala on April 9. Cruz underwent surgery on April 9, and the team anticipates a return to action in four months, putting him in line to return in August. (Last updated: May 24)
RHP JT Brubaker (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Brubaker is no longer wearing a post-operation brace on his right-arm after undergoing Tommy John surgery on April 12. His projected full return to Major League competition is 14-16 months, the club announced.
The Pirates originally placed Brubaker on the 15-day injured list on Opening Day, but he was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 2. He was expected to be part of the rotation to open the season, but he was unable to recover as expected after his final Grapefruit League start on March 21. (Last updated: May 24)
1B Ji Man Choi (strained left Achilles)
Expected return: June
Choi has resumed baseball activities, according to manager Derek Shelton. Choi was seen taking grounders prior to the May 23 game against the Rangers. Per Shelton, Choi has begun hitting in the batting cage as well. (Last updated: May 24)
LHP Jarlín García (injury to nerves in upper left arm)
Expected return: TBD
García underwent reimaging on April 12, and while that testing showed "progress," according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, the left-hander is still unable to grip a baseball. There is currently no timetable for his return.
The Pirates placed García on the 60-day injured list prior to Opening Day. The team determined García sustained an injury to nerves in the "mid-humerus biceps region." (Last updated: April 19)
Minor League IL
RHP Colin Selby (right shoulder discomfort)
Expected return: TBD
Selby is dealing with right shoulder discomfort, specifically a low-grade rotator cuff strain, and he has been temporarily shut down. Selby was placed on the seven-day injured list on May 19. (Last updated: May 24)
OF Travis Swaggerty(non-COVID illness)
Expected return: May
Swaggerty, who hasn't played since April 18 due to a non-COVID illness, started a rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton. He will likely play a week's worth of rehab games before returning to Triple-A Indianapolis. In 14 games with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, Swaggerty is slashing .231/.310/.442 with one home run and three steals. (Last updated: May 23)
LHP Hunter Barco (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: TBD
Barco threw his first bullpen a week ago and is beginning his side progression. Barco was drafted in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Pirates. The lefty underwent Tommy John surgery last May. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Michael Burrows (UCL surgery)
Expected return: 2024
No. 9 prospect Burrows underwent season-ending UCL reconstruction surgery on Wednesday. He is expected to return to action in 14 to 16 months. (Last updated: April 27)
INF Dariel Lopez (right knee dislocation)
Expected return: 2024
Lopez suffered a dislocated right knee while participating in a club-issued offseason conditioning program and will miss the entire 2023 season, according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. (Last updated: March 16)