Prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, a bushel of information came out regarding the Pirates’ veritable laundry list of current injuries. More important and relevant than any other news is that closer Jason Grilli threw a 25-pitch simulated game this afternoon and may make a rehab outing Saturday in Double-A Altoona.
“If he feels good tomorrow, we’ll give him two days rest and then we anticipate a rehab outing in Altoona on Saturday,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “About one inning, 20 pitch maximum.”
Grilli allowed a single hit to Josh Harrison in his simulated game and cracked wise with reporters in the clubhouse this afternoon.
“I have up one hit, no runs though,” Grilli said. “I was trying to go for the no-hitter but it didn’t work out. It’s ok. J-Hay got a hit up the middle. Got his confidence up, right?”
On a serious note, though, Grilli said he thinks he could jump in and get outs tonight but that’s just his “confidence talking.” As he progresses closer to his return, his concern does not pertain to velocity but fine-tuning and throwing strikes.
“It’s more about, for me, narrowing you vision down to be able to throw strikes, throw pitches where you want to,” Grilli said. “I could go out there tonight and throw, and throw. And not pitch.”
“There’s a difference. I want to be able to pitch, not just throw.”
- Wandy Rodriguez
Rodriguez met with Dr. James Andrews and received a report good enough to possibly warrant Rodriguez going off on a rehab assignment soon. On Hurdle’s end, he says he has not yet talked to Rodriguez.
UPDATE 6:59: The Pirates say Rodriguez yesterday in Florida and confirmed inflammation in the left forearm region. Rodriguez will resume throwing in the next couple days.
- Jeff Karstens/James McDonald
Hurdle said Karstens is moving forward on his return-to-throw program following his Tommy John surgery this summer, while McDonald threw three innings and 43 pitches yesterday.
“Physically he felt very good,” Hurdle said. “We’re still working on repeating the delivery, the command, but I think it was probably one of the more positive days he’s had since he’s been in the pitching program.”
- Travis Snider
Hurdle’s reports that Snider is playing at Triple-A Indianapolis and “clustering at-bats” as he rehabs from a toe injury that placed him on the disabled list at the end of July.
“He’s feeling better, game shape, he’s getting there,” Hurdle said. “He’s played nine innings multiple times. He’s probably closing in on 30 at-bats between the two spots so he’s making progress all around, on the defensive side of the ball and at the plate.”
In 20 at-bats, Snider is 5-for-20 with five singles, three runs, five strikeouts, and two walks.
