How key Pirates players are currently performing on rehab assignments

Injuries have hurt the Pirates badly to start 2025, which is easily a factor as to why they are off to one of their worst starts in recent memory. It is not an excuse, though, because this fate could have been avoided with a different and more complete offseason.

Nonetheless, there are two key players and a minor leaguer on rehab assignments, currently working on getting back up to full game speed. The main two are getting close to returning to the Pirates, which could be big boosts to help save them from falling into a hole they cannot get out of. Let's check in to see how these players are performing in their rehabs.

These three Pirates are working through their rehab assignments, getting closer to returning to their respective levels.

Dauri Moreta

The Pirates were without Dauri Moreta for the entire 2024 season after he got Tommy John surgery during spring training. He was a force in the 2023 bullpen, and losing him hurt very badly. Right now, he is through two outings with the Bradenton Marauders, and there is some stuff to like about where he is at right now.

Moreta has thrown two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, no walks, and striking out one. Those numbers are exactly what Pittsburgh needed him to do. Another positive is his fastball velocity is averaging around 94.9 mph and his slider has generated a 50% whiff rate. These two pitches being back to full strength will be key to him returning to his shutdown form.

Spencer Horwitz

Spencer Horwitz is who all fans are waiting on right now, as he was the biggest addition this offseason. His wrist injury halted him in spring training and he is finally getting close to his debut with Pittsburgh. He is about a week into his rehab assignment with Altoona. Recent comments from Ben Cherington make it feel like he will play down there for another few games.

Through five games with the Curve, Horwitz is batting .125 (2-for-16) with a double. He has walked and struck out just twice. Obviously not the best start, but at least he isn't striking out a ton. The hits will fall eventually. It's just a matter of staying healthy.

Sean Sullivan

Lastly is Sean Sullivan, a pitching prospect who was dealing with some elbow discomfort, but is working his way back up through the system. He put together a strong 2024 with Altoona, posting a 3.84 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP.

So far in his rehab assignment, Sullivan has a tossed 10.2 innings and has generated a 5.06 ERA with a WHIP of 1.50. He is struggling with control, throwing up a 12.8% walk rate, along with hitters batting .250 against him. With Hunter Barco heading up to Triple-A, Sullivan is likely going to join the Curve here soon.