Pirates left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez told Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he has inflammation in his left arm and not a more serious injury.
Wandy Rodriguez said he will likely avoid a trip to the disabled list. Said tests revealed inflammation. Will throw this morning. #Pirates
— Michael Sanserino (@msanserino) June 7, 2013
Rodriguez left his start Thursday in the 1st inning with forearm tightness, and he pointed to his left elbow when attended to by a trainer on the mound. He returned to Pittsburgh for further testing.
UPDATE: More from Sanserino, since he is on the ball right now.
Burnett and Locke will pitch Saturday and Sunday, as scheduled. #Pirates will consider "internal options" for Tuesday's start.
— Michael Sanserino (@msanserino) June 7, 2013
Dan Potash of ROOT Sports also says Rodriguez will throw a bullpen session Monday, June 10. If Rodriguez does not expect to go on the 15-day disabled list, his timetable would indicate returning soon after throwing in the bullpen.
Analysis
The fact that Rodriguez (3.59 ERA, 4.44 FIP, 17.7 K%, 4.6 BB%) did not suffer a more serious elbow injury is tremendous news for the Pirates. Pitcher Jeanmar Gomez left after one inning of his start Sunday and was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right forearm inflammation. Pittsburgh is still without right-handed pitchers Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens and James McDonald.
Morton could return soon, though, and the Pirates would be able to go with a four-man rotation of Morton, A.J. Burnett, Francisco Liriano and Jeff Locke until June 15 because of off-days. Rodriguez should not feel a need to rush back if Morton is ready, or if not Morton, someone else is available to make a spot start Tuesday. If Gerrit Cole is not needed, he may remain in Triple-A a little longer.
