Ke’Bryan Hayes is exhibiting “very encouraging” signs of recovery from the low back inflammation that landed the Pittsburgh Pirates Gold Glove third baseman on the injured list.
Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk stated that Hayes has resumed all baseball activities, including fielding ground balls and taking batting practice before Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. He will be assessed after running the bases on Sunday.
“Assuming he comes out of that relatively pain-free, which he has been for a little bit, he’s going to sit down with Shelty and talk about the next steps,” Tomczyk said, referring to Pirates manager Derek Shelton.
Tomczyk added that it’s an “ongoing discussion” whether Hayes will need a rehabilitation assignment before returning to action for the Pirates. Hayes was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 1 and has missed 13 games.
“This has been a lingering issue for years,” Tomczyk acknowledged. “We’re hopeful this is the last hiccup for him and his back this year for quite some time. We’re optimistic. Whether or not that warrants a rehab assignment is still evolving.”
In additional Pirates injury updates:
Catcher Jason Delay, dealing with a right knee issue, initiated a rehabilitation assignment on Saturday at Low-A Bradenton. If his progress continues positively, Delay is anticipated to transition to Triple-A Indianapolis relatively swiftly, according to Tomczyk.
Catcher Endy Rodriguez, recovering from a right elbow injury and undergoing rehabilitation at Pirate City in Bradenton, has reached the six-month mark post-Tommy John surgery. He will commence playing catch, and while currently only swinging from the left side, he is slated to incorporate swings from the right side at the seven-month mark.
Right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo, who underwent Tommy John surgery, is also undergoing rehabilitation in Bradenton. He has commenced a throwing program at 45 feet and is expected to advance to throwing from 60 feet.
Left-handers Ryan Borucki (dealing with left triceps inflammation) and Marco Gonzales (suffering from a left forearm strain) are showing positive progress and are currently in the plyometrics phase, which precedes the initiation of a throwing program.
Right-handed pitching prospect Bubba Chandler, who experienced mild forearm tightness, has resumed throwing and is anticipated to transition from throwing a side session to participating in games within the next couple of days.