Pittsburgh Pirates News: Stephen Alemais Has Shoulder Surgery

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have seen a lot of injuries over the last few years.  Stephen Alemais has continued to miss time with shoulder surgeries and has underwent another procedure.

The Pittsburgh Pirates took Stephen Alemais in the third round of the 2016 Major League Draft from Tulane University.  The shortstop hit .293/.348/.376, a very limiting power profile, but the athleticism was there and the defense was plus.  Baseball America noted in his draft profile, “He glides around at shortstop with the kind of smooth, athletic actions scouts want to see”.

The Pirates thought they were getting a glove first prospect who was able to make consistent contact with the ball despite the lack of power.  In 249 minor league games, Alemais hit .268/.326/.345 and one could see the shot of him sticking as a utility player.  In 2018, the shortstop hit .279/.346/.346 in 120 games, looking to have the chance to reach Pittsburgh.  He started off his 2019 back in Double-A Altoona, but he quickly had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum and missing the rest of the season.

Without that surgery, Alemais likely would’ve reached Triple-A Indianapolis that season and been a prime candidate to be a utility player for the Pirates in 2020 or 2021.  With 2020 being a lost season, the former third round pick lost more developmental time.  Unfortunately for him, it looks as if 2021 will be another missed season with a fourth shoulder surgery.  He tweeted out

With the Pirates needing to evaluate players and prospects, 2021 would’ve been a good season to continue to evaluate Alemais and his potential to be a utility player for the club going forward.  He first had shoulder surgery in high school but this marks the fourth time for Alemais.

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It is unfortunate for the player as he appeared ready to make the Major Leagues as a utility man in 2021.  However, another rehab will occur as he looks to get healthy and back ready to play baseball again.  For Stephen Alemais, here’s hoping that the rehab goes well and he can get back to playing the sport sooner rather than later.