Wyatt Toregas clears waivers, outrighted to AAA
Rob Biertempfel reports that C Wyatt Toregas has cleared waivers and will be outrighted back to AAA-Indianapolis. Toregas was designated for assignment to make room for Mike McKenry on the 25 and 40 man rosters.
Toregas, 28, collected just 4 AB for the Pirates after Chris Snyder was placed on the disabled list last week. Him passing through waivers is not a surprise, especially since Toregas was just 1 for 29 before his call up in AAA.
Pirates raise jolly roger in honor of Flag Day
Final: Pirates 1, Astros 0
WP: Jeff Karstens (4-4)
LP: Bud Norris (4-5
SV: Joel Hanrahan (18)
What can I say about this game? Jeff Karstens is a beast. I have no idea how he’s doing it, but Karstens tossed 6 2/3 scoreless today allowing only 3 hits while not walking a batter. It is now getting to the point that Karstens’ season is even more incredible than Charlie Morton’s. He is doing more than what anyone could ever ask him to do.
The Pirates scored their only run in the 2nd inning of the game with an RBI single by Garrett Jones. That would hold up as Clint Hurdle would use 4 pitchers to get to 4 outs before Joel Hanrahan came in to close things down in the 9th.
Andrew McCutchen extended his hitting streak to 13 games and Jones and Walker each added 2 hits a piece.
The Bucs are back at .500 with a 33-33 record. It is the latest they have been at the .500 mark this century. Also, with losses by both the Brewers and Cardinals tonight, they are now just 4 games back in the NL Central.
Jose Ascanio clears waivers, outrighted to AAA
Ascanio has cleared waivers after being DFA'd last week.
David Todd from Extra Innings reports that reliever Jose Ascanio has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to AAA-Indianapolis.
Ascanio, 26, pitched in 8 games for the Pirates this season and had a 7.11 ERA over 6.1 innings. It was Ascanio’s first stint in the big leagues after being on the disabled list since late 2009. It was pretty easy to tell that Ascanio simply was not ready to pitch in the Majors.
It’s good news that he is staying within the organization as he is still just 26 and has good stuff. He will go back down to Indianapolis and hopefully gain some command. He still has a chance to be a solid contributor in the bullpen down the road.
Pirates’ injury updates
When will Pedro return?
The Pirates currently have 9 players on the disabled list. Let’s check in on them and see what their statuses are and when we can expect them back.
60-Day Disabled List:
Kevin Hart - Hart has been sidelined since receiving right shoulder surgery on a torn labrum in May of 2010. Hart suffered a set back this February when his shoulder flared up again, which forced him to start the year on the 60-day disabled list. He is now eligible to come off, and is currently making rehab appearances in Bradenton. The problem with Hart, though, is that when he is ready to come off the DL, there shouldn’t be a spot for him on the Major League club. He is out of options, thus would have to be DFA’d. He should clear waivers, though, so he can join the staff in AAA.
Ross Ohlendorf – Ohlendorf suffered a right shoulder posterior strain on April 8th in his 2nd start of the season. As of right now, Ohlendorf is still throwing bullpen sessions in Bradenton to rehab his shoulder. He is still about a month away at least and shouldn’t be expected until sometime late next month. Ohlendorf, most likely, will lose his spot in the rotation because of this injury. Jeff Karstens has replaced him admirably. The Pirates have 2 options here. They could put Ohlendorf in the bullpen and use him as a long reliever, or they could option him to AAA so he can keep his arm strength up as a starter in case he is needed at some point in the rotation. He does have 2 Minor League options remaining.
Chris Snyder – Snyder underwent surgery last Friday to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. The surgery was successful. However, Snyder’s season may be lost. If he does somehow make it back, it would not be until September.
15-Day Disabled List
Michael Crotta – Crotta was placed on the disabled list with right posterior elbow inflammation. He has begun throwing bullpen sessions and should be ready to come off the DL next month. Expect him to join Indianapolis’ bullpen, though, when he does come off.
Pedro Alvarez – Alvarez hit the DL on May 20th due to a tightness in his right quadriceps. He began playing in rehab games in Bradenton on June 1st and was hoping for a return shortly after. However, on June 7th, Alvarez was forced to exit a game because of his quad again. He has yet to begin playing in rehab games as he is still getting treatment. At this point, it doesn’t look like Alvarez will be ready until next month at the earliest.
Joe Beimel – Beimel went on the DL May 28th with medial epicondylitis in his left elbow (more commonly known as golfer’s elbow). He is supposed to start throwing bullpen sessions again this week and could be back within 1-2 weeks.
Steve Pearce – Pearce has been on the disabled list since May 30th due to a partial tear in his right calf. Pearce will be heading to Bradenton today to start his rehab there and will hopefully be ready to go in a week or two if all goes well.
Ryan Doumit – Doumit went on the DL the same day as Pearce (May 30th) due to a left-ankle fracture that was suffered during a home plate collision with Carlos Pena. He received a CT scan yesterday and it showed the ankle was healing as expected. If all goes well, Doumit should be ready late July.
Evan Meek – Meek was placed on the DL for the 2nd time this season on Friday with right shoulder inflammation. Dr James Andrews confirmed yesterday that nothing was structurally wrong with Meek and that his rehab will continue. The Pirates are hoping he will be fully healed by late-July.
Day-to-day
Josh Harrison – Harrison has be kept out of action the past 2 games due to tightness in his right oblique. He isn’t expected to swing a bat or throw until tomorrow. A decision will then be made if Harrison will need to go on the 15-day disabled list or not. If he does, prospect Chase d’Arnaud is among the top candidates to take his place.