Outfielder Daniel Nava, who was in camp with the Pirates as a non-roster invitee, underwent back surgery yesterday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic was among those to report (via Twitter). The recovery process is expected to keep Nava out for ten to twelve weeks.
At the time of his signing, Nava was viewed as a likely candidate to earn a share of a corner outfield platoon. But that had already come into question with the team’s recent acquisition of Corey Dickerson, who is now expected to see near-regular duty.
With the news of the surgery added in, Nava’s outlook in Pittsburgh is decidedly unclear. That’s not to say that it’s a particularly concerning medical outlook; rather, he’s said to be slated for a microdiscectomy, a fairly common procedure that will presumably enable Nava to return without pain.
Rather, it’s increasingly difficult to see how Nava will fit on the roster. While he’s a switch-hitter, the 35-year-old has long been utilized mostly against right-handed pitching. The results support that usage, as Nava has nearly a 200-point platoon spread in his career OPS numbers.
With Dickerson and Gregory Polanco on two corners, the Bucs already have a pair of lefty outfield bats. And switch-hitting first baseman Josh Bell likely won’t be asked to sit down very often. With Pittsburgh already carrying two third basemen (Colin Moran and David Freese) and two infield/outfield capable utility players (Adam Frazier and Sean Rodriguez), at most there’ll only be one more bench opening available. Of course, things could look quite a lot different once Nava is ready to return.
Hope he has a full recovery and can be back playing in July.
I had this exact surgery once
oh gosh, its a repeat of 2017. Pirates out fielder already set to miss half a season. (/s)
God Speed Daniel
Why not get surgery in October? It doesn’t seem right to wait until you sign a deal to get back surgery
Guessing all concerned thought the issue could be fixed with rest and rehab and then had isssues pop back up while doing baseball stuff in camp.
This guy has had some bad luck. He was suppose to be a big part of the Red Sox future once a upon a time.
Well, I guess that Brentz will have the time required to prove he’s worth of the 25 roster. But still the bucs have osuna. This will be interesting.
Given the L/R split in the OF and the need for a power bat off the bench, it was already likely that the 4th OF job was going to go to Brentz unless he gave it away with a bad spring.
Most unfortunate circumstances. I wish Nava all the best, but PIT has no obligation to keep him and should move on. Nobody ever is really the same after back surgery no matter how minor.
Tell me about it! It sucks so bad!
Probably go to Pittsburgh and saw just how bad it was and opted for surgery!
ha they make my back hurt watching them! They say smoking takes 10 years off your life…try being a Pirate fan. Still love em though
Pirates are tanking!!!!
He could still have value as an addition to the Bucs in July or August when he’s healthy, especially if the Bucs are dealing people away by then. In any event I hope he gets a shot somewhere if not with the Bucs.