Pittsburgh Pirates: Bad News for Chris Archer and Outfielders

The Pittsburgh Pirates have seen a few of their key plays head to the Injury List of late.  However, it does not look like things will be getting any better anytime soon.

While the offense has plagued the Pittsburgh Pirates on the field, the team has also had a big problem keeping their regulars on the field as well.  The team started the year missing a few key plays, but quickly saw Corey Dickerson, and more recently Starling Marte, Erik Gonzalez, and Nick Burdi hit the injured list as well.  Well, things do not look like they are going to improve anytime soon.

First and foremost, the Pittsburgh Pirates are losing one of their top starting pitchers in Chris Archer.  Archer got hit around pretty hard by the Dodgers last night and left the game relatively early.  According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates are placing Archer on the Injury List due to right thumb inflammation.  In a corresponding, the team is recalling relief pitcher Michael Feliz up from Triple-A.

The team also received some bad news for their outfield.  Earlier on this season, starting left fielder Corey Dickerson had to head to the Injury List with right shoulder tightness.  He was set to begin his rehab assignment, but it looks like that will be delayed.  According to Bill Brink, Dickerson felt tightness in his throwing shoulder while long tossing.

The same can be said for outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall.  The offseason acquisition has yet to play in a game for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He broke his hand right before the start of the regular season. He has been rehabbing for over a week now and looked like he would be close to returning.  Well, according to Brink, Chisenhall felt tightness in his left calf while running the bases.  This is not good as Chisenhall has long battled hamstring issues throughout his career.

Brink also had an update on the plan going forward for the two outfielders.  Both outfielders will leave their rehab assignments to be examined:

"“Dickerson will meet the team in Texas to be examined. Chisenhall will return to Pittsburgh to see team physicians and undergo some tests.”"

This is not great news for the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates. The team desperately needs offensive help and players like Chisenhall and Dickerson could have been big boosts to the team.  For now, young prospects Jason Martin and Bryan Reynolds will have to keep developing and help the team win some games.