Injuries & Moves: Ryan back in the big leagues
LATEST NEWS
June 11: RHP Ryder Ryan promoted to Pirates, RHP Dennis Santana claimed off waivers from Yankees, LHP Jose Hernandez designated for assignment
This is Ryan's fourth stint with the Pirates this year, cracking the Opening Day team and bouncing between the Majors and Minors. He has pitched well in his 11 Major League outings, striking out 14 and pitching to a 3.46 ERA.
Santana, 28, does not have any Minor League options, so he will need to report to the Major League team. He recorded a 6.26 in 27 1/3 innings with the Yankees, mostly as middle relief and long-relief duties.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated Hernandez for assignment. The 26-year-old lefty appeared to be a good Rule 5 Draft pick last year, but has regressed this year, posting a 7.04 ERA with Triple-A Indianapolis.
June 10: INF/OF Niko Goodrum claimed off waivers from Angels, optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis; RHP Ben Heller designated for assignment
Goodrum, 32, has played parts of seven seasons, including stints with the Rays and Angels this year, when he has gone 3-for-29. Versatility is his calling card; he has played every position in the Majors besides pitcher and catcher.
For Heller, this closes the book on his most recent cup of coffee in the Majors. He allowed 12 runs (11 earned) over two innings this season, including taking the loss in the 10th inning on Sunday. With Goodrum being optioned, the Pirates will likely recall a pitcher from Indianapolis before starting their six-game road trip in St. Louis Tuesday.
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Quinn Priester (right lat muscle)
Expected return: TBD
Priester is currently asymptomatic and is resting before he resumes throwing. He is responding well to treatments and will be reassessed in about five to seven days. (Last updated: June 7)
INF/OF Ji Hwan Bae (right wrist sprain)
Expected return: TBD
It's been recommended that Bae does not grip a bat for 10-14 days, at which point he will be reassessed. Bae's right wrist injury is different than Alika Williams' one, according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. (Last updated: June 7)
INF Alika Williams (right wrist sprain)
Expected return: June
Williams had a cortisone injection in early June and has responded well. The team is envisioning him resuming some light baseball activities in mid-June. He had been dealing with wrist soreness for some time, but aggravated it on a swing during the June 28-29 series at Detroit. (Last updated: June 7)
C Joey Bart (left thumb injury)
Expected return: TBD
Bart's thumb injury, which occurred after he caught a pitch awkwardly on May 26, has been diagnosed as a grade-one UCL sprain. It was recommended that he do no gripping activities, and he will continue to refrain from doing so for another week. After that time, he will be reassessed. (Last updated: June 7)
LHP Martín Pérez (left groin strain)
Expected return: TBD
Pérez is currently pain-free with all his rehab activities and playing catch on flat ground with no restrictions. Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk anticipates the left-hander will throw off a slope soon, likely the weekend of June 7-9. Pérez exited early in his last start on May 26, feeling discomfort after covering first base on a play. (Last updated: June 7)
60-DAY IL
LHP Ryan Borucki (left triceps inflammation)
Expected return: 2024
Borucki was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 6, but that was a paper move rather than a reflection of where he is in his rehab. He continues to make strides in his throwing program and is throwing out to 110-115 feet. The Pirates anticipate he will throw off of a slope in mid-June. (Last updated: June 7)
RHP Johan Oviedo (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Oviedo started a throwing program at the Pirates' Florida complex the week of May 20 now that he's crossed the six-month mark from his surgery. He is throwing out to 75 feet. (Last updated: June 7)
LHP Marco Gonzales (left forearm strain)
Expected return: 2024
Gonzales continues to make strides in his throwing program and is throwing out to 110-115 feet. The Pirates anticipate he will throw off of a slope in mid-June, and the expectation remains he will return this season. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 4. (Last updated: June 7)
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 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)