Trevor Williams felt better Sunday, and he’ll return to the Pittsburgh Pirates rotation Monday.
Williams will start the opener of a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals after he was scratched from his scheduled return in the rotation Saturday because of what the team called “severe flu-like symptoms.”
Williams said he lost seven pounds while dealing with the illness. He was back in the Pirates clubhouse Sunday morning and was to test his strength and physical conditioning to ensure he was capable of pitching Monday. After the game, manager Clint Hurdle confirmed Williams will start Monday.
Kevin Gorman: Pirates put faith in Trevor Williams to throw first punch https://t.co/ZINkRdWQqd via @TribLIVE
— Kevin Gorman (@KGorman_Trib) February 20, 2019
Williams allowed season highs for hits (11) and runs (eight) in his most recent start, and his season ERA has climbed to 5.17. He has a 9.53 ERA and 1.093 OPS against in four starts since a stint on the injured list because of strain in his right side. He was one of the majors’ best starters after the All-Star break last season.
Hurdle indicated Chris Archer will start Tuesday, and that would put the Pirates’ rotation back in its regular order and on regular four-day rest from then on.
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