The Pirates Senior Director of Sports Medicine told the media on Wednesday the status of Spencer Horwitz and other players two days after the first full-squad spring workout.
Multiple Pittsburgh Pirates remained sidelined as Spring Training begins, but many are making strides toward playing early in 2025.
Pirates Senior Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk spoke with members of the media on Wednesday and provided an update on a plethora of pitchers.
He also provided context surrounding Spencer Horwitz’s wrist issue. Tomczyk told the media Horwitz had his sutures, a medical device used to hold tissue together, taken out this week. Horwitz is tracking to return in 6-8 weeks and has already started hitting with one hand and taking ground balls.
The two most notable arms on the injury report are starter Johan Oviedo and reliever Dauri Moreta, both returning after missing all of last year with Tommy John surgery. Oviedo, who had his surgery after the 2023 season, is progressing well and is throwing live batting practice. He’s still not cleared to be a full participant in game action.
Moreta underwent surgery in March 2024 and could return to the Pirates bullpen mid-season. He is not expected to pitch in any spring training games but does not have any restrictions on what pitches he throws in workout sessions.
Hunter Stratton suffered a grueling left knee injury late in the season and has started running. Reporters also learned right-handers Yerry Rodriguez and Sean Sullivan are dealing with right elbow discomfort and will miss time.
Rodriguez, 27, signed a Minor-League deal in November and previously pitched for the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays. A non-roster invitee to Spring Training, Sullivan was drafted in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He’s posted a 4.10 ERA and 1.266 WHIP in 59 games (49 starts) throughout the last three seasons.
The first full-squad workout commenced on Monday with the first spring training game of 2025 taking place Saturday at 1:05 p.m. against the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota.