The Pittsburgh Pirates have activated right-handed reliever Keone Kela from his two-game suspension, which the team announced on Monday. To make room on the active roster, Clay Holmes has been added to the 10-day IL with right triceps inflammation.
Francisco Cervelli was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man for Kela. Cervelli is eligible to return as early as July 26th, although it doesn’t seem like he’ll return that soon, as Alan Saunders reported this afternoon on his rehab work.
#Pirates C Francisco Cervelli (concussion) has begun light catching duties, including fielding, throwing to bases and potentially receiving. Still no timeframe for anything more than that.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) July 24, 2019
The bigger injury update today was that Jameson Taillon is experiencing pain in his right forearm again, and had his throwing program halted.
#Pirates RHP Jameson Taillon has had his throwing program halted due to a reoccurrence of the pain in his right forearm. He has a consult scheduled with his surgeon.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) July 24, 2019
With the position the Pirates are in right now, it doesn’t make sense for Taillon to try and return at all this year. But you hope that he doesn’t need a major surgery, as that could put a big part of his 2020 season in jeopardy as well. That would drastically change the Pirates’ chances of contending, since they’re still relying on Taillon and Chris Archer to lead the pitching staff. Archer isn’t a guy you want to solely rely on right now, and if Taillon misses time, that leaves you with a questionable top of the rotation.
Gregory Polanco is in the same situation with a setback, as Alan reported.
#Pirates LF Gregory Polanco is going to be down for another week to 10 days of rest before he tries to return from his left shoulder discomfort. That diagnosis was confirmed by his surgeon, suggesting he will not need a second surgery.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) July 24, 2019
Like Taillon, the Pirates don’t really need to rush Polanco back this year, especially since they have several outfield options to choose from. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them trade Corey Dickerson and/or Melky Cabrera by the deadline, at which point Polanco would have a spot if he’s healthy.
Polanco has had stretches where he showed some impact potential at the plate, but they’ve always been derailed by injuries. I think the biggest concern for the Pirates should be getting him as healthy as possible for the 2020 season, and hoping the offense returns to where it was in 2018 when he was healthy. The outfield next year is projected to be Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and Bryan Reynolds, so having Polanco prepared for 2020 is going to be more important than rushing him back in 2019.
