The Pirates have three catchers injured, making the position uncertain and without a clear timetable for their return.
Yasmani Grandal and Jason Delay are both on the injured list, and Endy Rodriguez is out for the season. The Pirates traded for Joey Bart as a backup to Henry Davis.
It seems like Jason Delay won't be back soon.
Pirates' Todd Tomczyk said Delay will not be doing any baseball activities as his knee continues to cause problems. They are discussing the next steps with team doctors and considering seeking second opinions.
Tomczyk said Delay's knee issue prevents him from playing as a major league catcher.
Grandal has been doing simulated games and using new technology for practice, and will start baserunning soon.
The director mentioned that it has been interesting to see Grandal's progress with the new technology and that Grandal is making good progress.
Tomczyk said the team still needs to decide when Grandal can start his rehabilitation assignment, involving the general manager and the manager.
Tomczyk mentioned the importance of discussing with Grandal and the manager to make the best decision for both the player and the team in the short and long term.
Rodriguez has been checked by a surgeon and is recovering well, with plans to start baseball activities in May.
Other injury news for the Pirates:
Colin Holderman, a right-handed reliever, is back for a reassessment after losing weight due to an illness in spring training.
Lefty reliever Ryan Borucki is feeling better and should start playing catch soon.
Righty reliever Carmen Mlodzinski is progressing well in his rehab with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Infielder/outfielder Ji Hwan Bae, after playing for Low-A Bradenton, is now rehabilitating with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Right-handed starter Thomas Harrington, a top-10 prospect, is starting to play light catch and is throwing 75-90 feet.
Pitching prospects Jun-Seok Shim and Owen Kellington have been put on the 60-day injured list in the minor league. Shim, who has a right pectoral injury, is throwing from 75-90 feet. Kellington has a right elbow injury and is currently getting a second opinion.
