The Pirates are already navigating bullpen inconsistency. They’re carefully managing their starters’ workloads. They\u2019re still waiting on reinforcements like Jared Jones. And now, one of the top depth options in Indianapolis is sidelined until, at best, early summer.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s how a struggling veteran keeps his roster spot. Not because he\u2019s been good \u2014 but because he\u2019s available.<\/p>\n
Fans aren\u2019t wrong to be frustrated. Urquidy\u2019s outings have felt like holding your breath<\/a> with a lead, and that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n We\u2019re already seeing Don Kelly lean into unconventional pitching usage \u2014 using openers like Mason Montgomery<\/a> and mixing bulk relievers. That only works if you have enough arms to absorb innings. Right now, the Pirates don\u2019t have the luxury of subtracting one \u2014 even if he\u2019s struggling.<\/p>\n Pirates Injury Update: Jared Jones nearing next step, Jared Triolo making progress<\/p>\n While Clevinger’s situation grabbed the spotlight, Thursday\u2019s update painted a broader picture of where the organization stands health-wise.<\/p>\n There is still plenty of optimism surrounding Jones, who returned to PNC Park this week<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The timeline for Jones’ return (late May to early June) remains unchanged. Whenever he is back, that’s when the roster math \u2014 including Urquidy\u2019s spot \u2014 gets very real.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Pirates also provided some additional injury updates on some other minor league players this week. One of the system\u2019s most exciting bats, Edward Florentino, is nearly ready to return from a left ankle injury \u2014 possibly as soon as next week.<\/p>\n Another quick bright spot is infield prospect Jack Brannigan, who has returned after suffering a nose fracture in spring training<\/a>. He is set to open the year at Double-A Altoona.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n
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