Pirates fans get clarity on why Jose Urquidy is still here after minor league injury update

If you’ve spent any time around Pittsburgh Pirates discourse over the past week, you already know one of the loudest questions being asked:

Why is José Urquidy still here?

After another shaky outing and a season line that has done little to inspire confidence, the calls to DFA Urquidy have only grown louder — especially with a familiar name looming in Triple-A: Mike Clevinger.

However, Thursday’s injury update from the Pirates offered some clarity. Clevinger — the most obvious alternative — is no longer an option in the short term. The right-hander is dealing with a right knee MCL sprain that will require immobilization for several weeks, with an estimated six-week timeline before returning to competition.

The Pirates are already navigating bullpen inconsistency. They're carefully managing their starters' workloads. They’re still waiting on reinforcements like Jared Jones. And now, one of the top depth options in Indianapolis is sidelined until, at best, early summer.

That’s how a struggling veteran keeps his roster spot. Not because he’s been good — but because he’s available.

Fans aren’t wrong to be frustrated. Urquidy’s outings have felt like holding your breath with a lead, and that’s not a place any team wants to live. But roster decisions in April are rarely as simple as performance alone. Designating Urquidy for assignment right now would mean losing a veteran arm with no clear replacement, forcing a call-up from a thinner-than expected depth chart, and potentially overtaxing a bullpen that's already being used creatively.

We’re already seeing Don Kelly lean into unconventional pitching usage — using openers like Mason Montgomery and mixing bulk relievers. That only works if you have enough arms to absorb innings. Right now, the Pirates don’t have the luxury of subtracting one — even if he’s struggling.

Pirates Injury Update: Jared Jones nearing next step, Jared Triolo making progress

While Clevinger's situation grabbed the spotlight, Thursday’s update painted a broader picture of where the organization stands health-wise.

There is still plenty of optimism surrounding Jones, who returned to PNC Park this week to throw a bullpen in front of the major league staff. The hard-throwing right-hander is still working his way back after losing his 2025 season to an elbow injury that required internal brace surgery.

By all accounts, Jones passed the eye test. His velocity is there, and all pitches are in play. The next phase involves pitching in simulated games prior to a minor league rehab assignment.

The timeline for Jones' return (late May to early June) remains unchanged. Whenever he is back, that's when the roster math — including Urquidy’s spot — gets very real.

Infielder Jared Triolo is also trending in the right direction after landing on the IL with a knee injury. He has returned to most baseball activities and is expected to begin baserunning next week. His return will matter for infield flexibility — something the Pirates have been juggling early, but seem to be in a decent spot with Nick Yorke and Nick Gonzales splitting time at third base.

The Pirates also provided some additional injury updates on some other minor league players this week. One of the system’s most exciting bats, Edward Florentino, is nearly ready to return from a left ankle injury — possibly as soon as next week.

Another quick bright spot is infield prospect Jack Brannigan, who has returned after suffering a nose fracture in spring training. He is set to open the year at Double-A Altoona.

In less promising news, left-hander Anthony Solometo is dealing with recurring shoulder pain and will seek a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister. Given his recent injury history, this is a situation worth monitoring closely.

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