Over the weekend, the Pittsburgh Pirates received some encouraging news that will help them in their quest for a postseason spot. After throwing a live batting practice on Saturday afternoon, rookie right-hander Jared Jones—who has been out since July 4 due to a right lat strain—took a step toward his comeback to the major league team.
Jones is about to be cleared for game play following his two bullpen sessions and Saturday’s live batting practice. Before returning to Pittsburgh’s rotation, he’ll probably need to make a few starts in the minor leagues, but if all goes according to plan, he should be able to come off the 15-day disabled list by the end of August.
Ben Cherington, the general manager of the Pirates, stated in the most recent edition of his weekly radio program on 93.7 The Fan that Jones was making progress toward playing in games and that he expected the right-hander to start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis “soon.”
Prior to his injury, Jones was 5-6 with a 3.56 ERA in 16 starts for the Pirates this season, making him a vital member of the starting rotation.
Pirates substitute A setback occurs for Ryan Borucki while on his rehab assignment.
Although Jones’ improvement should cheer Pirates supporters, the most recent information regarding injured left-handed reliever Ryan Borucki is far less positive. Since going on the 60-day injured list in May due to inflammation in his left triceps, Borucki hasn’t played a game for the Pirates since April 5. His absence was a major factor in Cherington’s decision to acquire left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks from the Colorado Rockies prior to the trade deadline.
Between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, he has made ten rehab appearances in total. Most recently, he returned to the Pirates for their road series in Houston, which many saw as encouraging. But according to a story published last Friday by Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Borucki had a setback in his recuperation and would not be able to throw for three to five days following an anti-inflammatory shot.
According to Destin’s report, Borucki’s inflammation from the spring has “crept” into a separate area of his forearm. Borucki’s progress will be evaluated by the organization later this week, but in the interim, don’t anticipate seeing him back in the Pirates bullpen until at least September.
