39 Chad Kuhl SP

Kuhl underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

This is a tough break for Kuhl, who opted for surgery after suffering a setback earlier in the month. The typical recovery timeline takes around 14-to-16 months, meaning the right-hander will be sidelined through the 2019 season. Kuhl posted a 4.55 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 81:33 K:BB across 16 starts (85 innings) prior to suffering the injury.

Kuhl underwent elbow surgery Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

After getting a second opinion on his elbow following a setback last week, Kuhl elected to go the surgical route. He initially suffered a forearm strain near the end of June and was attempting to make a return before the end of the 2018 season when he felt tightness in his arm while throwing off flat ground earlier this month. More details regarding this procedure and a timetable for his eventual return will come to light in the near future once the Pirates release the details.

Kuhl (forearm) threw off a mound Wednesday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

This marks the first time Kuhl was able to throw off a mound since landing on the DL with a forearm strain at the end of June. He still needs to build back up through bullpen sessions, live batting practice and simulated games before being cleared to rejoin the big club, leaving his possible timetable for a return muddled.

Kuhl (forearm) has advanced to throwing from up to 90 feet off flat ground, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Kuhl will likely extend his throwing distance a little more over the next week before perhaps gaining clearance to pitch off a mound. The Pirates remain hopeful that Kuhl will be able to pitch again this season, though an official timeline for a potential return from the 60-day disabled list probably won't be established until he begins a rehab assignment.

Kuhl (forearm) played catch from around 50 feet prior to Saturday's game against the Cubs, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kuhl has now thrown on back-to-back days, which is good news for Pittsburgh. He's been on the disabled list with a forearm strain since June 29, and although the timetable for his return is still a bit murky, the Pirates are optimistic he could return prior to the conclusion of the 2018 campaign. The next step for Kuhl figures to be throwing off a mound.