A Pair Of Key Pittsburgh Pirates Start A Rehab Stint

No team in baseball has been more injury riddled than the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Bucs may be getting two key players back soon.

No MLB team has been more injury rattled this season than the Pittsburgh Pirates. 20 Pirate players have spent time on the Injured List this season, which is a MLB high, and this number may soon climb.

Chris Stratton exited Friday’s game with a side injury. Odds are, this injury will cost him MLB time. Due to this, Stratton is likely to land on the IL. However, reinforcements could be on the way soon.

On Saturday, Keone Kela is scheduled to start a rehab stint with Triple-A Indianapolis. He is slated to pitch 1 inning for the Indians.

Prior to hitting the IL on May 8th Kela owned a 4.63 ERA, 5.57 FIP, and a 22% strikeout rate in 11 2/3 innings of work. While his overall numbers are not great, it is due to an abysmal start to the season. Kela had made six consecutive scoreless appearances before going on the IL.

Getting Kela back will be a big boost to the Pirate bullpen. Hopefully, it happens sooner than later.

Another key Pirate that is on the mend is left fielder Corey Dickerson.

Dickerson has been on the IL with a shoulder strain since April 4th. Friday night, he served as Indy’s designated hitter and went 0-for-4. While he was held hitless, it was great just to see him get at bats. Especially after his last rehab stint was shutdown due to his shoulder issues popping up again.

When Dickerson returns it will be interesting to see what the Pirates do. Bryan Reynolds is playing like a Rookie of the Year candidate and Melky Cabrera is playing like a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. So, the team will add to its outfield logjam when Dickerson returns. Thankfully, this will be a good problem to have.