Pirates' Brennan Malone: No restrictions expected for camp
Rotowire
The Pirates don't expect Malone (shoulder) to face any restrictions at minor-league camp during spring training, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
Malone has been beset by a series of injuries since entering the professional ranks in 2019 as a first-round pick of the Pirates, tossing just 27 innings over the past four seasons. He underwent surgery in mid-August to address a labral issue in his right shoulder, but the 22-year-old has apparently recovered well from the procedure and looks as though he'll be ready to go for the start of the minor-league season. Expect him to begin the campaign with one of the Pirates' lower-level minor-league affiliates.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Undergoes shoulder surgery
Rotowire
Malone (shoulder) underwent surgery Tuesday to repair damage to his labral tissue, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Malone has dealt with right shoulder issues over the last few months and was ultimately placed on the 7-day injured list in mid-June after experiencing soreness. The right-hander's season is over, and his absence could end up stretching into the 2023 season. Malone has tossed just 27 innings in the minors since being drafted in the first round in 2019.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Reinstated from injured list
Rotowire
Malone (illness/shoulder) was reinstated from the 7-day injured list at Single-A Bradenton on Thursday.
Malone dealt with an illness this spring and spent the last several months building up at the Pirates' extended spring training facility. He should join the rotation in Bradenton now that he's been activated from the injured list.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Over illness, building up again
Rotowire
Malone has made a full recovery from the illness that set him back in spring training, but he's now working through a throwing progression as he looks to overcome a recent bout of right shoulder soreness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
Malone resumed throwing live batting practice sessions a week ago and could be ready to pitch in a simulated game at the Pirates' spring training facility within the next few days. Once he's deemed ready to make his 2022 affiliated-ball debut, Malone will likely slot into the Single-A Bradenton rotation.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Facing live hitters
Rotowire
Malone (illness) has been facing live hitters recently, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Malone suffered a setback during spring training due to an undisclosed illness, but he's been progressing in his recovery while building up at the Pirates' extended spring training facility. The right-hander is expected to face more advanced competition soon.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Building up at extended spring camp
Rotowire
Malone has yet to make his 2022 debut while he continues to build up at the Pirates' extended spring training facility in Bradenton, Fla. after an undisclosed illness set him back in his throwing program earlier in camp, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Once the Pirates are satisfied with where Malone is at his throwing program, he'll likely be assigned to Low-A Bradenton for his season debut. Between stops in Bradenton and the rookie-level Florida Complex League last season, Malone covered only 14 innings while he missed time with a blister and a lat injury.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Assigned to FCL
Rotowire
Malone (lat) made an appearance for the Pirates' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Friday, recording one out while surrendering three runs on one hit and three walks.
Before he was shut down in late May with a sore right lat, Malone made his first three appearances of the season at Low-A Bradenton. The 20-year-old right-hander looks to be healthy again, but the Pirates apparently want him to shake the rust off in the FCL before having him return to Bradenton. His move to the FCL last week was termed as a demoted from Low-A rather than a rehab assignment.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Throwing side sessions
Rotowire
Malone (lat) has resumed throwing side sessions recently, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Malone had been shut down due to a sore right lat for nearly a month, but he's been able to do some throwing recently. The right-hander still doesn't have a timetable for his return to game action.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Managing lat injury
Rotowire
Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczak said Wednesday that Malone has been shut down recently due to a sore right lat, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.
Malone made three appearances for Low-A Bradenton to begin the year and tossed 3.2 scoreless relief innings. He was reassigned to the GCL Pirates at the end of May, but he hasn't yet appeared in a game with his new club. It's not yet clear when the 20-year-old will be able to return.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Reassigned to GCL Pirates
Rotowire
Malone was reassigned to the GCL Pirates on Thursday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Malone began the season with Low-A Bradenton and gave up four unearned runs on four hits and five walks while striking out two in 3.2 innings. He missed time early in the year due to a finger injury and will now attempt to sort things out with the GCL Pirates in the near future.
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Pirates' Brennan Malone: Delayed by blister
Rotowire
Malone has yet to start for Low-A Bradenton due to a finger blister, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
It's a minor issue, so the 20-year-old's start to the season shouldn't be pushed back too much. Malone last pitched in 2019 at rookie ball, making six appearances.
