The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a tough time staying healthy at the catcher’s position this season. With primary backstops Joey Bart and Endy Rodriguez currently both on the injured list, the team has relied on the tandem of Henry Davis and Brett Sullivan behind the plate in the interim.
The most recent news regarding Rodriguez’s return this season after being placed on the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation can best be described as discouraging. After receiving a second opinion on his elbow, Rodriguez is scheduled to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection, followed by four weeks away from baseball activities.
Less than one year removed from undergoing Tommy John surgery, the 25-year-old catcher/first baseman’s return this season from his latest elbow trouble remains undetermined.
That being said, Pirates assistant general manager Steve Sanders was a guest on 93.7 FM The Fan on Sunday and was unable to provide a definitive timetable for Rodriguez’s return.
“(We’re) confident he’s going to get back as soon as he can,” said Sanders. “As far as the year, I would never want to project that far out. We’re certainly not ruling anything out. Our goal and Endy’s goal is to get healthy and get back as soon as possible.”
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While Rodriguez takes time to heal, the Pirates appear close to activating Bart from the seven-day injured list (concussion) very soon. Currently rehabbing with Triple-A Indianapolis, Bart’s appeared in four games and will likely see action in a few more before rejoining the team sometime in the next few days.
The Pirates begin a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. Bailey Falter (5-3) will oppose Casey Mize (6-2) in the series opener.
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