Pirates’ Wandy Rodriguez has setback in recovery
By Matt Shetler
All of those that were counting the days until Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Gerrit Cole was returned to the minor leagues may want to put that on hold for the moment.
After once again experiencing tightness in his left forearm, Pirates left-hander Wandy Rodriguez has been shut down from throwing for the time being.
June 5, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) is pulled from the game in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Rodriguez, on the 15 Day DL since June 11 with forearm tightness was eligible to come off the disabled list June 21. But he reportedly felt the pain once again in his last rehab session with Triple-A Indianapolis. He also did not throw his bullpen session that was scheduled for Saturday at PNC Park.
That led the Bucs to electing to shut him down for the time being. Rodriguez was being evaluated by the Pirates medical staff on Saturday as they have to decide what the next step in his rehab will be.
However all news is not bad news on the Pirates injury front.
Starter A.J. Burnett (right calf strain) threw 38 pitches out of the bullpen Friday and the team is “happy with his progress,” manager Clint Hurdle said. Burnett is scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday that will test his ability to field and cover first base. However it looks like he will be able to rejoin the rotation soon.
That means Cole’s spot is safe for now which should please Pirates fans. Cole and Burnett will join tonight’s starter Francisco Liriano, Jeff Locke and Charlie Morton to round out the Bucs starting rotation.
In other news, if the Pirates do have to go to the minors for an arm, neither Kyle McPherson nor Phil Irwin will be options as they were both shut down as well.