The Pittsburgh Pirates broke their worst stretch of the 2011 season last night, winning 5-0 against the San Francisco Giants, and snapping a ten game losing streak. They’ve dealt with a lot of injuries this year, and you could argue that things really started to fall apart on July 23rd, when they lost Alex Presley from the lineup. The Pirates have gone 4-13 since that date. The loss of Presley, combined with the earlier loss of Jose Tabata, weakened the Pirates’ outfield. It also removed speed and defense from the team, and removed the spark from the top of the lineup.
Presley and Tabata could both be returning soon, which should provide a big boost to the starling lineup. The Pirates also have some other injury updates, with several also having the potential to boost the team and help them rebound from their worst stretch of the season.
Currently on Rehab Assignment
Ross Ohlendorf: He makes his third rehab start for Indianapolis tonight. This will be his last rehab start, as he has to be activated on August 13th. The Pirates haven’t decided his role yet. Obviously they’re getting him stretched out as a starter in AAA. They could keep him in AAA until the end of August, as he has options remaining.
Jose Tabata: He recently started rehab work with the Indianapolis Indians, playing three days in a row, but serving as the designated hitter on day three. He will play in right field tomorrow for Indianapolis, a sign that he could be moving over in Pittsburgh in favor of Alex Presley.
Chase d’Arnaud: He started his rehab work on Sunday, which means he has to be activated by the 27th of August. I could see a scenario where he rehabs, then is optioned to AAA for the remainder of the month, only to return in September when rosters expand. He would have to be activated and optioned on August 22nd in order to return by September 1st.
Chris Leroux: Leroux started his rehab work on August 4th, which means he can be on rehab assignment until rosters expand in September. I don’t see him returning to the majors until that time comes.
Other Injuries
Kevin Hart: He’s not throwing right now, and I wouldn’t expect him back this year.
Chris Snyder: The last update we got was in early July, saying that he had started light workouts. At this point it doesn’t sound like he will be back until September, at the earliest.
Evan Meek: He’s been throwing bullpen and side sessions, and could start a rehab assignment this weekend.
Alex Presley: He’s expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, and could return quickly after that assignment begins.
