There’s a bit more buzz than usual in Altoona surrounding the Curve, as major league pitchers David Bednar and Ryan Borucki are currently in town on rehab assignments.
Both pitchers have been on the Injured List and are desperately needed back when they are healthy. Bednar, the team’s closer, as missed the last few weeks with a lat issue. He last pitched on June 19th.
Borucki, meanwhile, has essentially missed the entire season. He only has 3.1 innings to his name this season, none of them coming after April 5th. He has been on the 60-Day IL with left triceps inflammation.
However, both of them seem to be nearing a comeback, and both have begun rehabs in Double-A ball with Pittsburgh’s affiliate in Altoona.
Most times, a rehab assignment starts in Triple-A, but per Noah Hiles, there are concerns about limited availability to pitch in Indianapolis this week due to the weather.
The Pirates were right about that so far, with Indy’s game being postponed and slated to be a double header tomorrow. With minor league rules, double headers are only seven innings, not nine, which limits potential innings for both Bednar and Borucki.
So, to Altoona they go. Both got a chance to appear for the Curve tonight, who were taking on the Bowie Baysox.
Bubba Chandler, one of the Pirates’ most highly regarded prospects, started this game, and was lifted after 2.0 innings. Jaden Woods then covered 1.1 innings for the Curve before Borucki was called upon.
Borucki finished the fourth and pitched a complete fifth, allowing no hits and striking out a pair.
Borucki took the game to the sixth inning, where David Bednar took over on the mound.
Bednar pitched a scoreless sixth, also allowing no hits and finished his appearance with a swinging strikeout.
(If you’re wondering why there is someone on third in this clip, a Baysox runner reached first base on an error by Altoona’s first baseman. The runner then stole second base, and advanced to third on a flyout).
Both Borucki and Bednar earned holds in Altoona’s 4-0 win over Bowie.
They did exactly what you would hope they would do against Double-A competition, and tonight served as one step closer to getting back in the big league bullpen.
It’s very possible that one or both players get another appearance with Altoona on rehab.
There’s no need to rush these guys back with the All Star Break coming soon. After tonight, the Pirates will have only five more games until the break, including three against the lowly Chicago White Sox.
With two of Pittsburgh’s more important arms, it’s crucial that they aren’t rushed back to the majors and can build up stamina while still on rehabs. That’s especially the case with Borucki, given how long it has been since he’s last pitched.
(Featured photo from the Altoona Curve’s Twitter/X account)
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