Injuries & Moves: No. 3 prospect Chandler lands on IL
LATEST NEWS
May 18: Pirates outright LHP Josh Fleming to Triple-A Indianapolis
Fleming, 28, signed a split-contract with the Pirates this spring and earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, where he saw initial success as a ground ball and lefty specialist. However, a six-run outing on May 13 raised his ERA from 3.50 to 5.68, and the Pirates designated him for assignment on May 14 to get a fresh reliever into their bullpen. Fleming is 20-14 with a 4.94 ERA over his five-year Major League career, most of which he has spent as a reliever.
May 16: Pirates trade RHP Roansy Contreras to Angels for cash considerations
Contreras was considered one of the Pirates' more promising pitchers as recently as last year, but a dip in fastball velocity and control eventually led to him losing his rotation spot, and eventually, a spot on the team. He entered Spring Training with a chance to earn a starting job, but ended up in the bullpen where he pitched to a 4.41 ERA over 16 1/3 innings.
He was designated for assignment Saturday to make room on the roster for Paul Skenes.
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Bubba Chandler (forearm; No. 3 on Pirates' Top 30 prospects list)
Expected return: TBD
Chandler was removed from his Double-A start on May 17 after walking five of his seven batters faced and was placed on the 7-day injured list. Senior vice president and assistant general manager Steve Sanders described the move as more precautionary during an interview with 93.7 The Fan and said that Chandler was already showing improvement after two days. (Last updated: May 19)
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (low back inflammation)
Expected return: Soon
Hayes has resumed all exercises and is expected to resume fielding and activities starting on May 20 before swinging the bat the following day. He was placed on the injured list on May 11, so this trip to the IL could potentially be on the shorter side. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Marco Gonzales (left forearm strain)
Expected return: 2024
Gonzales is stacking consecutive symptom-free days, director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said. The team will assess on when he can resume throwing later in May. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Ryan Borucki (left triceps inflammation)
Expected return: 2024
Borucki is currently asymptomatic and making strides for a potential return. The team will assess on when he can resume throwing later in May. (Last updated: May 17)
60-DAY IL
C Endy Rodríguez (right elbow surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Rodríguez will transfer his rehab to the Pirates' Florida complex. The team envisions getting clearance for him to start a throwing program later in May. However, it's still not expected that Rodríguez will be able to play competitive games this season. (Last updated: May 17)
RHP Johan Oviedo (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Oviedo has been cleared to start throwing again and has begun a plyometric program. He will begin a formal throwing program the week of May 20 at the Pirates' Florida complex. (Last updated: May 17)
C Jason Delay (right knee soreness)
Expected return: June
Delay is going to have his rehab transferred to the Pirates' Florida complex. The team is preparing for him to get into game activity during the week of May 20, and director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk says he is making good strides towards returning. (Last updated: May 17)
RHP Dauri Moreta (UCL surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Moreta underwent UCL reconstruction surgery in March, confirming fears that he will not pitch in 2024. The team anticipates a full recovery in approximately 14-16 months, with the hope that it might be on the shorter side since he is a reliever. Moreta was expected to return to Florida to start the rehab process. (Last updated: March 21)