Pirates Pitcher Unable To Grip Baseball; "Likely Weeks Not Days" Before He Can Throw Again


Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Jarlín García is currently dealing with left arm soreness, according to Todd Tomczyk, the team's director of sports medicine.

Although tests have ruled out any structural damage to his shoulder or elbow, García is still reportedly unable to grip a baseball. The team is yet to provide a formal diagnosis for his injury, but further testing will be conducted in the coming days.

García's status for Opening Day remains uncertain, but it appears he's at risk of missing some time at the beginning of the season. If García is unable to start the season, it could open up a spot for Rule 5 pick José Hernandez to make the Pirates' roster.

Tomczyk said it it will be "probably not days and more like weeks before he begins to throw, if not longer."

The Pirates signed the 30-year-old to a one-year, $2.5 million contract this offseason.

Over his six-year career, he holds a 3.61 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, with 259 strikeouts over 322 innings and 285 appearances. Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports