Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates Doumit to begin rehab stint soon
The Pirates feel that catcher Ryan Doumit could be returning to the lineup within the next two weeks.
Manager Clint Hurdle said following the game that Doumit will begin his rehab assignment “sometime soon”, when asked about the catching position.
Jason Jaramillo has also been activated by Triple-A Indianapolis and is emerging as an option for the Cardinals series.
Help on the way
Pedro Ciriaco is being sent back to Triple-A Indianapolis today. The move is being made for the likely callup of shortstop Ronny Cedeno. Manager Clint Hurdle did not role out making callups with Steve Pearce a candidate to join the team on Friday.
Reliever Jason Grilli should also be joining the team for Friday. Hurdle also said that some players are not doing their part at the plate which has put the Pirates in a tough place.
No Willingham package deal
Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune-Review is reporting that the Pirates are mulling a possible swap with the Oakland A’s for LHP Craig Breslow and OF Josh Willingham.
That rumor has been shot down by ESPN’s Buster Olney who says there’s been no talks between the Pirates and A’s about a Willingham package deal.
As of today, the Pirates focus with the A’s is believed to be on relief pitching.
The Pirates top priority at the trade deadline is an 8th inning reliever and lefty reliever.
