Pirates’ Spencer Horwitz Opens Up About Recovery Timeline

The Pittsburgh Pirates were dealt a blow to the infield when Spencer Horwitz underwent right wrist surgery earlier in the week.

Horwitz confirmed the injury is unrelated to previous wrist injuries he has dealt with in his career, according to DK Pittsburgh Sports’ Greg Macafee.

“It’s new, and it’s hard to believe that it’s not related, but it seems completely different,” Horwitz said, per Macafee. “I’ve had wrist problems in the past, and I’ve been able to cover it up pretty good, whether it be with painkillers or cortisone shots. I couldn’t do that anymore. Eventually, just had to get the surgery, and hopefully, I’m better for it in the long run.”

The 27-year-old said the surgery, performed by Dr. Thomas Graham in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was quick, and he is focused on the six-to-eight-week recovery timeline.

“That’s what I’ve been told,” Horwitz said. “That’s what we’re aiming for. Whether it be a little bit before that or a little bit after that. It depends on how my rehab goes.

“… The (Pirates) sports medicine staff has been second to none. It’s been great communication, constantly slowly getting better and pushing it. I’m happy with where I’m at so far. Not happy I got hurt, but that’s part of what comes with the territory.”

Horwitz was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 and finally made his big league debut in 2023. Horwitz, alongside Nick Mitchell, was traded to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Andrés Giménez and Nick Sandin. On the same day, Horwitz was traded to the Pirates in exchange for Luis Ortiz, Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle.

He played 97 games for the Blue Jays in 2024, slashing .265/.357/.433 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs.

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