PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) –Pirates general manager Ben Cherington discussed a number of roster moves during his show Sunday on 93.7 The Fan and the Pirates Radio Network Sunday including the positive news with David Bednar and less so with rookie starter Jared Jones .
Bailey Falter
The Pirates left-handed starter put on the 15-day injured list with left triceps tendonitis after leaving the game on Saturday during the second inning. While there was hope of no injured list as all, the feeling was pretty optimistic when it comes to the lefty who was 4-7, 4.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 90.1 innings, 28 walks, 61 strikeouts.
“I think we will know more of over the next couple of days as he gets treatment,” Cherington said. “We are really hopeful and optimistic that we caught this thing really early. With the All-Star Game break coming up, we thought let’s do the IL route. He would have had just one start between now and the break.”
They will know more in the next couple of days.
Jared Jones
The Bucs rookie starter went on the 15-day Injured List on Saturday after suffering a lat strain during his start on Friday. Jones has been shut down after going 5-6, 3.56 ERA, 1.11 WHIP with 98 strikeouts in 91 innings.
“When you talk about up to two weeks no throw, that means for a pitcher, you have to build up after that,” Cherington said on 93.7 The Fan and the Pirates Radio Network. “Then it just becomes the math of a calendar of how long it takes to build up back to a major league game.”
Cherington said they feel clear on the issue with the lat strain and believe it will be something he can recover from this year. They need to make sure they let it calm down so it is no issue for Jones and then build back up. He said no one knows exactly how long he will miss, but it’s weeks and not days.
2 starters nearly ready
With Falter and Jones out, the Pirates feel they do have a pair of starters with MLB experience that are nearly ready to return. Quinn Priester gave up a run with no walks in five innings in his last rehab opportunity in AAA and Marco Gonzales went 4.1 innings, four hits, four runs, four walks and three strikeouts on Saturday. Cherington said both are in a spot where you could consider them close to returning. So, either could be an option potentially this week.
Bednar/Borucki close
Pirates closer David Bednar is working his way back from a left oblique injury. He threw a live batting practice on Saturday and they anticipate the All-Star will go to AAA for rehab at some point this week. Bednar has 16 saves, a 5.17 ERA, 1.12 WHIP in 31.1 innings this season with 32 strikeouts.
Left-handed reliever Ryan Borucki was a big find for the Bucs last year going 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 38 appearances. His WHIP was 0.74. The 31-year-old has been limited by a left forearm strain this year making only four appearances in the majors. In five appearances in AAA, Borucki is 1-0, 1.93 ERA with eight strikeouts and two walks in 4.2 innings.
Henry stays in AAA
Catcher Henry Davis has been cleared of his concussion, but will remain in AAA.
“I think it’s two things, one, if you go back, it’s been a little over a month where he’s been in the position to play regularly,” Cherington said on 93.7 The Fan and the Pirates Radio Network. “We see some benefit in giving him the opportunity to play regularly. Related, we believe in what Yasmani Grandal and Joey Bart are doing on our team right now. Over time, Henry is obviously an important part of the Pirates.”
Ashcraft a starter
Minor-league right-hander Braxton Ashcraft returned from the 7-day Injured List with three more scoreless innings Saturday, but the reason he didn’t start was the team wanted Gonzales to start. One of the Pirates best minor-league arms, Ashcraft is still considered a starter. He has allowed one run in 18.1 innings with 13 strikeouts since being promoted to AAA after going 2-2 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.10 WHIP at AA.
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