Pirates' corresponding move for Justin Lawrence addition brings brutal injury clarity

It was fun finding out that the Pirates added a solid arm from the waiver wire with the pickup up of Justin Lawrence. Figuring out where to put him remained a mystery, though, which seemed like a really positive problem for Pittsburgh to have right now. Joey Wentz could have been designated for assignment, but instead, he will remain on the roster for now, as a different corresponding move was announced.

To make room on the 40-man for Lawrence, Johan Oviedo was transferred to the 60-day injured list, which was somewhat expected as the Pirates attempted to slowplay his recovery from Tommy John surgery in Dec. 2023. That's part of the reason they acquired Andrew Heaney, after all.

Every update about Oviedo's recovery prior to Monday has sounded just fine, but following the transaction, news sprouted that the right-hander had suffered a lat issue in his most recent bullpen. This seems more precautionary so that they don't rush things with him and add more injuries down the road, but for now, Oviedo's return has been delayed until at least June.

Pirates send Johan Oviedo to 60-Day injured list as corresponding move to Justin Lawrence waiver claim.

The minimum of 60 days that he has to serve before activation will not start until Opening Day, so Oviedo still has a long ways to go until he can join the team in Pittsburgh. When he does get healthy, he will be a major addition to the team, whether that is in the rotation or as a long relief option. Nonetheless, he will likely be joining a very strong pitching staff in Indianapolis when healthy, building his inning count up in a controlled environment.

It is unfortunate that the Pirates will be without Oviedo and Dauri Moreta to open up the season. When healthy, both have solid stuff and were major contributors to the team in 2023.

When Oviedo does return to Pittsburgh, the team will be looking for the right-hander to replicate his numbers from his last big league showing. In that season, he put together an ERA of 4.31 with a FIP of 4.49 and a WHIP of 1.37. His slider and curveball combo is very difficult for batters to deal with, holding a run value of 18 and ranking in the 98th percentile.

This reminder is very frustrating for Pirates fans, but at least now we have a significant update on where he stands in his recovery. Pittsburgh is eager to see him back in action, so hopefully this slower pace can get him back faster without any setbacks.