The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to getting a key contributor back after it was announced that catcher Joey Bart has cleared concussion protocol and will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Placed on the 7-day injured list May 28 after suffering a concussion on a back swing, Bart’s return will provide a nice boost to a Pirates team that has also been without catcher/first baseman Endy Rodriguez who was placed on the 10-day IL due to right elbow inflammation.
Since being traded to the Pirates last April, Bart has flourished in Pittsburgh after failing to live up to the hype that followed after being selected in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Given a clear path to regular playing time in 2024, Bart produced new career highs in most offensive categories such as batting average (.265), hits (67), home runs (13), and RBIs (45).
In 44 games this season, Bart has hit .240 with 35 hits, one home run, and 11 RBIs in 146 plate appearances.
With Bart and Rodríguez sidelined with injuries, the Pirates have relied on the catching tandem of Henry Davis and Brett Sullivan, with Sullivan recently recalled from Triple-A after Rodríguez was placed on the IL on June 6.
Story continues below advertisement
The Pirates concluded a three-game series with the Miami Marlins on Wednesday with a 5-2 victory. The team will be back in action on Thursday when they start a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Featured image via Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images