In Monday’s “First Call,” Steelers linebacker Devin Bush has some interesting rehab partners helping him on his way back from a knee injury.

Former Penguins are aiding the cause of the Washington Capitals. We look at the recent past and potential future of the Pirates pitching staff.

Plus, a little history in women’s lacrosse at Robert Morris.

Devin is not doggin’ it

Steelers linebacker Devin Bush is continuing his rehab from last year’s ACL tear. And he is sharing his progress on his Instagram account.

Over the weekend, the Steelers linebacker published a video of himself dribbling a basketball, moving without any apparent pain or limp.

And he was “doggedly” guarded in the clip, as Bush was double-teamed by two small pups.

So, no. It wasn’t the most intense footage you are going to see. But, for Bush, it’s one step at a time before returning to practices this offseason.

And as we all know, a return from an ACL tear can be “ruff.”

I’ll show myself out.

All alone

The Washington Capitals jumped back into first place of the East Division all by themselves on Sunday. They did so by virtue of a 5-4 win over the New Jersey Devils.

And they got some help from some ex-Penguins along the way. Both Conor Sheary and Carl Hagelin potted goals on the way to the win.

Yes yes yes! pic.twitter.com/fmslwTjeFv

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 4, 2021

Whoop there it is! pic.twitter.com/NqL1RHGcgn

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 4, 2021

So the Capitals now have 54 points to lead the East. That’s two better than the New York Islanders and four in front of the third-place Penguins.

The Boston Bruins are in possession of the fourth and final playoff slot with 43 points. The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers have 39 points, tied for fifth.

Mixed bag

Some good, some bad from ex-Pirates pitchers over the weekend.

On Saturday, Joe Musgrove made his first start for the San Diego Padres after the Pirates traded him there during the offseason. The right-hander got the win in a 7-0 shutout while holding the Arizona Diamondbacks to three hits in six innings, striking out eight and walking none. After allowing a one-out single in the first, he retired 11 straight.

Things weren’t as rosy for Chris Archer in his first outing with the Tampa Bay Rays. Archer came into Saturday’s loss to the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning. He took the defeat during a 12-7 slugfest, surrendering four runs (three earned) on four hits, with two strikeouts and a walk over two innings.

Archer re-signed with the Rays this offseason after the Pirates acquired him from Tampa in a disastrous trade in July 2018.

Who is it gonna be?

For Pirates fans who are tracking the Vanderbilt baseball team to see who the No.1 draft choice may be, this weekend was more fun viewing.

Kumar Rocker or Jack Leiter? The debate continues.

Leiter got the win Friday in an 11-2 blowout of LSU. He had 12 strikeouts and gave up one earned run in six innings.

Ninth strikeout of the night for @jackleiter22. #VandyBoys | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/gI8uzQPO9T

— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) April 3, 2021

Leiter is now 7-0 with a 0.43 ERA.

As for Rocker, he is now 7-0 with a 0.84 ERA. In a 13-1 victory Thursday, the Commodores doused the Tigers with Rocker giving up just one run in six innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight while yielding no walks.

Seventh win of the season for @KumarRocker last night. #VandyBoys | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/djLsHrBNWg

— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) April 2, 2021

The Commodores swept LSU in a three-game series on the road for the first time ever.

So, if the Pirates flame out as we expect in 2021, at least you have another team to root for this season.

Record setter

Robert Morris women’s lacrosse star Mackenzie Gandy set the school record for career goals Saturday against Youngstown State.

She had a pair of goals to pass Jenn Collins for the all-time record with 129. Gandy already passed Ashley Levering for the all-time points mark of 179 earlier this year.

The senior has 27 goals and 37 points for the season. The Colonials beat the Penguins 17-7. They are now 8-2 on the season and 4-0 atop the MAC.

Their next game is against Kent State on April 9.

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