CHICAGO -- The Pirates' pitching staff has been hit hard with injuries throughout the 2020 season, creating depth concerns in the rotation. Those concerns could be amplified this week if the team trades away any pitchers ahead of the Aug. 31 trade deadline.
But it looks like there are some reinforcements coming, as Joe Musgrove and Mitch Keller continue to make strides the their rehab, signaling both will return this season.
"We firmly believe that both men – Joe and Mitch – will be pitching again for us shortly,” director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday.
Musgrove was placed on the injured list from his next start on Aug. 8 due to ankle soreness. He was placed on the injured list shortly after, citing right triceps inflammation as well.
He is set to pitch a simulated game at the club's alternate training site in Altoona, Pa. "in the coming days."
That outing is expected to be two innings. Depending on how his body responds, he could be built up to four or five innings from there.
Keller injured his left oblique in Chicago on Aug. 1 and was shut down for the weeks following, but has started throwing side sessions again, including one Tuesday.
Tomczyk said both pitchers are making "nice progress."
The short season schedule originally raised concern if either pitcher would be able to pitch again this year, but those concerns are essentially gone. Now both pitchers should be able to get some more competitive innings in to help prepare for 2021.
To continue reading, log into your account:
