Pirates right-hander JT Brubaker is dealing with discomfort in his right elbow/forearm, manager Derek Shelton tells Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Brubaker is likely headed for the injured list to start the season.
Brubaker, 29, has been part of the club’s rotation for the past three seasons. Last year, he made 28 starts with a 4.69 ERA that might not look too impressive at first glance. However, it’s possible that figure masks his true talent, something that MLBTR’s Anthony Franco recently explored. His 22.8% strikeout rate, 8.4% walk rate and 44% ground ball rate were all pretty close to league average last year. Some bad luck may have been in play, as his .334 batting average on balls in play and 68.8% strand rate were both on the unfortunate side of average. His 3.92 FIP and 3.97 SIERA suggest that better results could have been possible going forward.
The Bucs would have loved to have seen that materialize here in 2023 but it will have to wait. It’s unknown exactly how long Brubaker will be on the shelf but an injury to a pitcher’s throwing elbow or forearm is always concerning. The club will surely do some further testing and figure out the next steps forward.
In the meantime, the Pirates will have to proceed with one less starter in their rotation. The four other spots figure to be occupied by Mitch Keller, Rich Hill, Vince Velasquez and Roansy Contreras. While Brubaker is out, it’s possible that Johan Oviedo steps up and takes a few starts, though the club also has Luis Ortiz and Mike Burrows on the 40-man roster. “I think there’s a good chance it could be Oviedo,” Shelton tells Mackey. “We’re still working through things as we finalize our roster. With the fact that he’s been lengthened out, he’s the most likely one out of the group. I think there’s a good chance we could see that.”
Oviedo, 25, came over to the club in the trade that sent José Quintana to the Cardinals. Though the Cards had moved him to a relief role, the Pirates gave him another chance to start. He took the ball seven times after the trade and posted a 3.23 ERA. He may now get a chance to build on that at the start of the 2023 campaign.
Extremely underrated organization.
Yep. Just like the Marlins.
off topic but still Pirate related, Suwinski should have been sent to AAA Indy rather than Swaggerty
In 16 games, Suwinski struck out 21 times and batted only.211
Last year he had twice as many strikeouts as hits. He might be a potential power hitter but he should find that out in the minors to start the season if this franchise wants to make significant strides in 2023
I said that Swaggerty should stay two weeks ago
That management still keeps the likes of Joe, Mathias, Choi and the train wreck options behind the plate, along with retreads like Hill and Velasquez again make it clear that it’ll always be financial control over competing
I get it. You want to emulate TB
But how many castoffs are in the Rays roster?
Pirate announcers were praising Suwinski as a fan favorite. I don’t care how great a guy he is , if he can’t play send him down.
They were excited about his 19 home runs.
I bet Mason Martin could do the same but they know he strikes out way too much to be a viable major leaguer.
For some reason they look at him with a different pair of glasses.
Agreed- Swaggerty is ready for the majors if he can stay healthy
Well that certainly sucks and sounds a little ominous. But while the Pirates don’t have the high end end arms right now, they do have solid depth. Rotation of Keller, Contreras, Hill, Velasquez, and Oviedo is pretty solid considering what we’ve seen in prior years.
Not sure I would call it “pretty solid” just yet. Keller and Contreras have looked good since the last quarter of last season, and Oviedo is very promising. But let’s face it, Hill is older and a mixed bag out there and the track record of Velasquez just isn’t that good
Still, you’re right. It beats the last couple years
Shame about Brubaker. He’s looked good this spring, mixing pitches effectively and staying away from throwing down Main Street. Hope this is a short blip for him
It’s closer to “Jaws theme music” ominous.
Definition of pretty solid. JT never produces like he should. Oviedo could produce as well or better. Still have 2 guys ready for a mlb look and 2 more not far behind. Injuries won’t be a problem with that excellent depth. Bullpen is deep as well. Best wishes to JT. So many teams starting pitching got hurt this spring.
That really sucks. He looked fairly solid last year, albiet inconsistent, and was getting a ton of swings and misses this Spring. Hope it’s nothing serious.
Starting pitching all over MLB is looking like the walking dead.
Agreed. I’m kind of expecting the 2023 rotation to look a little like the 2013 rotation. Two older guys holding spots, a couple younger guys getting opportunities, and hopefully Keller can take a step forward in his development. Then sprinkle in the Jeff-type fillers (Karstens and Locke)
Yes it’s just some discomfort in his right elbow/ forearm. No need to schedule Tommy John Surgery or anything drastic like that. No way. He’s fine with some rest.
A little plasma therapy and he will be good as new.
Works EVERY time.
RIP
I was looking forward to him progressing and having a solid rotation, hope it’s not for long.
Pirates interested in Michael grove?
Dodger dude – are you serious; minor league stats: W/L 2-15, era 5.84. What do you want for him; a pack of gum?
You know that the next idea was a trade for Reynolds. It just never ends with Yankees and Dodgers fans
The good thing is he’s ready for the biggs now. The guy is a rookie and at least he pitched 5 innings in all of his last 4 pro starts. Looking at your starters from last year other than brubaker they couldn’t even do that consistently their win-loss and era resemble Groves minor league stats lol fool
Well, they had this odd habit of throwing fastballs dead red and hanging off speed pitches down Main Street, as well. Makes for nice kayak voyages on the Allegheny but not much else
Happily, it’s not the same rotation and Brubaker looked the part of a young pitcher who learned his lesson this spring.
I’m not convinced that Hill and Velasquez will be big upgrades, but from what I’ve seen, they have a number of guys who can fit in after Keller, Contreras and Brubaker, beginning with Oviedo
I’m out of here, done being attacked on this site. No more contributions, done with it.
#shamelessamerica for a $1 a day a starving child will filter out all your negative comments so you can have a safe space.
“At least the Brewers are finally done with Ryan Braun’s sorry as”
That was your 1st comment on the Luke Voit contract article. Deep and totally relevant insight like that is really going to be missed around here. You were the Juan So-so of commenters.
No MORE contributions? We’re still waiting for your first.
Anyone know if O’reilly makes the bucs.
John has about a good of chance of making the team as Bill does.
Good time to remind everyone there’s no such thing as too much pitching.
For all those Pirates fans who thought it was a mistake to bring in two veteran SP’s for the rotation, now hopefully you’ll understand why it was done.
Hopefully this isn’t season ending for JT.
Thankfully they have a owner who isn’t afraid to spend money!
Oviedo i think should get the job, maybe throw Ortiz in a couple times if the opportunity presents it self. Really i would’ve considered tiving it to Oviedo anyway.
Assuming Hill and Velasquez are gone in July rotation could be Keller,Contaras, Ortiz, Ovideo and Priester with Burrows trying to sneak in there. Could be a darn fine rotation.
Keller signing a modest but filled with performance bonuses extension now might be worth exploring. If i were a player on a team who stuck with me even when I was really bad, I would be more willing to take a discount deal to a point.
Burrows may be more ready and even the better prospect.