ST LOUIS — A bit of good news came the Pirates’ way on Saturday when the team announced that Francisco Cervelli will start a rehab assignment on Sunday with Class AA Altoona.
Cervelli has been out of the Pirates lineup since May 25, when he suffered his sixth recorded concussion since 2011.
“There’s not a lot from a medical perspective — athletic training, physical therapy, strength and conditioning — that he needs to do,” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said.
Cervelli and the Pirates were waiting for clearance from MLB and the union for the catcher to return. Cervelli caught bullpen sessions from Keone Kela last week.
“Our first focus getting him back in play. No expectations,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We are pleased that he's been cleared.”
Cervelli will play games in Altoona and eventually with Class AAA Indianapolis. MLB rules say Cervelli’s rehab assignment can last up to 20 days.
“He’s going to need the time,” Hurdle said. “We’ll see where it can take him.”
Cervelli had one home run, five RBIs, and a .193 batting average this season. In his place, Jacob Stallings is hitting .271 with three home runs and six RBIs in his place. Elias Diaz has a homer and 22 RBIs with a homer and is hitting. 252.
Once the roster expands to 40 Sept. 1, it’ll be easier to carry three catchers. The Pirates also have to evaluate how much playing time to give Cervelli, who is on an expiring contract. Diaz and Stallings are the future at catcher barring an offseason roster move.
It would make the most sense to give Diaz and Stallings the majority of playing time since the Pirates have little hope of making the playoffs. Cervelli has worked hard and wants to finish his time with the Pirates on his terms. The Pirates may want to oblige him, but perhaps it wouldn't be the right thing to do.
Nubyjas Wilborn: nwilborn@post-gazette.com and Twitter @nwilborn19
First Published: August 10, 2019, 8:07 p.m.
