Pirates catcher/1st baseman Endy Rodriguez shut down from throwing, out at least 8 weeks

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher/first baseman Endy Rodriguez has been shut down from throwing for four weeks after visiting Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the orthopedic surgeon who performed Tommy John surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in December 2023.

Rodriguez had his rehabilitation transition to Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., but is expected to be out at least eight weeks before he can play baseball again. That timeline could jeopardize his chances of returning to the major leagues this season.

Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said the switch-hitting Rodriguez could receive consideration to start swinging a bat again in three weeks, but only from the left side.

Rodriguez was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation and received a plasma-rich platelet injection this week from Pirates team physician Dr. Todd Franco. Rodriguez was placed on the injured list June 7 and has since been transferred to the 60-day IL.

“The best practice is always to send the athlete back to the surgeon of record, which in this case, Dr. ElAttrache is one of the world-renowned surgeons in all of sport, not just baseball,” Tomczyk said. “As of right now, the recommendation is the rest and rehab. We’ll progress from there.”

After missing the majority of the 2024 season, Rodriguez made the Opening Day roster out of spring training. He played 11 games (nine starts) at first base and nine games (eight starts) at catcher, batting .173/.246/.250 with four doubles and two RBIs.

“He’s in good spirits. Yes, he’s frustrated — which anybody would be, considering what he went through to get back,” Tomczyk said. “We are hopeful this PRP injection will calm the inflammation down and get him back sooner than later.”

In other Pirates injury news:

• Right-handed reliever Colin Holderman (right thumb) also transitioned his rehabilitation to Pirate City. Holderman threw a bullpen session, and the initial response was “very, very positive,” Tomczyk said. The goal for Holderman is to throw another live bullpen, then reassess.

• Right-handed starter Johan Oviedo, who suffered a lat strain while returning from Tommy John surgery, is throwing simulated games and side sessions in-between and is doing “very, very well.”

• Right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence (right elbow inflammation) and lefty reliever Tim Mayza (left shoulder muscle strain) started throwing last week after being shut down for two months. They played catch together from 75 feet Friday.

“Early indications and early responses are very positive,” Tomczyk said. “They’ll probably be in this flat-ground phase for a little bit since they haven’t thrown in about eight weeks.”

• Right-handed starter Jared Jones is a month removed from surgery to have an InternalBrace stabilize his right elbow and was discharged from wearing a brace.

“So his range of motion continues to come back,” Tomczyk said. “We’ll eventually begin some strengthening exercises. Jared is dominating the early phases of his rehab.”

• Infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez also is a month removed from surgery on his left shoulder and continuing to work on his range of motion in Bradenton. Tomczyk said Valdez has been “very diligent with his rehab, as well.”