Pittsburgh Pirates: Miguel Yajure Takes Another Step Toward Returning

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 14: Miguel Yajure #89 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on May 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 14: Miguel Yajure #89 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on May 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Friday night Miguel Yajrue took a big step toward returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates and their starting rotation by making a rehab start for Low-A Bradenton

The 2021 season has not gone completely as planned for Miguel Yajure. After the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired him this offseason in the Jameson Taillon trade it appeared that Yajure would have an opportunity to be a key cog in the team’s starting rotation this season.

After making two strong starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates early in the season the odds of this happening only appeared to be growing. However, that is when the injury bug bit. Yajure suffered a forearm strain after making three starts for Triple-A Indianapolis, landing him on the injured list.

Understandably so, the Pittsburgh Pirates have taken a methodical approach in Yajure’s rehab. Which makes sense with the Pirates not competing this year, Yajure being a big part of their future and after the shortened 2020 season put pitchers at a greater risk of suffering injuries this season.

Yajure starting by throwing live batting practice before moving up to simulated games. Then on August 6 he made his first rehab start with the Low-A Bradenton Marauders. In this start Yajure 1 unearned run on 2 hits and a strikeout in 1.2 innings pitched.

Friday night he made his second rehab start with the Marauders. While Yajure allowed 4 runs, 3 earned, on 4 hits and a walk issued, he did strikeout 4 batters in his 2.1 innings of work. Most importantly, he was able to work up to 45 pitches thrown, with 30 of them being for strikes, and his stuff looked good. As you can see below from our own Kody Duncan.

Yajure’s next step will be a start with either Double-A Altoona or Triple-A Indianapolis. Even though Yajure was in the minor leagues when he was place do the injured list, when he comes off the IL he will likely join the Major League club.

Next. Projecting the Pirate Lineup at the End of 2022. dark

The Pirates currently have a huge need for starting pitching help. After all, Mitch Keller and Wil Crowe continue to struggle, Chad Kuhl is currently on the COVID IL and JT Brubaker could be, and likely should be, shutdown for the season soon. The month of September should be a great opportunity for Yajure to take the ball every five days and begin to cement his spot in the Pirate starting rotation entering the 2022 season.