Monday, May 22, 2023

Notes: So-So Week; Keller POTW; Zastryzny Back, Velasquez Close; Injury Updates & News

Mayday...

Notes:

  • The Pirates opened the week with a two-game set in Motown and split shutouts, dropping the first game, 4-0, and then waking up in the second with an 8-0 victory behind Rich Hill and a Rudy Castro blast. They came home and lost 2-of-3 to Arizona, splitting blowout games and losing the middle match, 4-3.
  •  RHP Mitch Keller was named the NL Player of the Week. Kell went 2-0 (their only two victories in 13 games), giving up eight hits and no runs while fanning 21 batters and walking one in 16 frames with a complete game. His slash was 5-1/2.38 in nine starts. And yes, the Pirates have been talking extension with Keller, though it doesn't appear either side is at brass tacks time yet. 
Mitch Keller - 2023 MLB image
  • LHP Rob Zastryzny began his rehab assignment Tuesday at Indy and was back with the Bucs on Friday; OF Miguel Andujar was DFA'ed to clear a roster spot.  
  • RHP Vince Velasquez made his rehab start Saturday and looked good going 4-2/3 shutout frames. The suits are debating whether to give him another rehab start or bring him back now. 1B Ji-Man Choi (Achilles) isn't close yet and LHP Jarlin Garcia (nerve damage) is still in rest mode. 
  • On the farm, RHP Chase de Jong, who cleared waivers and didn't opt for free agency, reported to Indy. RHP Tyler Chatwood, who signed a minor league deal but has been injured since camp, is starting his rehab at Bradenton. OF Travis Swaggerty is on schedule to return to action in a week or two.
  • Don't hold your  breathe waiting for Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez to ride to the rescue. Henry needs work behind the plate and Endy's been hurt, so in the minors they'll stay for awhile, per Ben Cherington on his radio show. 
  • RHP Nick Burdi, 30, who tossed for the Pirates from 2018-20 and left as a FA after TJ surgery, was called up by the Cubs. 

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