Pirates Injuries Adding Up Early in Spring

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that Gaby Sanchez was removed from todays lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays due to discomfort in his knee. The team announced that Sanchez will be day-to-day.  Matt Hauge takes his spot in the lineup and Jordy Mercer will serve as the DH.

Sanchez was off to a nice start to his Spring too. The Bucs first baseman came into camp lighter and in better condition. The production at the plate was good in his first week with two hits, a walk and a run driven in. (We will ignore the TOOTBLAN that might have caused this setback.)

Jason Grilli was injured last season and has been working slowly thus far.  The Bucs closer is scheduled to pitch a two inning simulated game tomorrow in Bradenton.

Yesterday Phil Irwin was scheduled to pitch was scratched due to pain in his elbow.  Let’s trust this isn’t a long term set back, because we need to see that philthy breaking ball this summer.   Irwin pitched in the Arizona Fall League.  The right hander told Bill Brink it was a different feeling than the off season ulnar nerve transplant.

Travis Ishikawa has been very limited and is listed as day-to-day because of right hamstring discomfort.

In some good injury news, Travis Snider will be in the lineup tomorrow serving as the designated hitter. The right fielder had stitches removed from his finger after slicing it while cutting sweet ‘taters. Let’s trust he hits a few taters this Spring and shows the Pirates brass that he is ready to live up to his former prospect status.