Colin Holderman to Begin Rehab Assignment

Right-handed relief pitcher Colin Holderman will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday night. Indianapolis will play the Louisville Bats on opening day at 7:15 ET.

Holderman was placed on the 15-day injured list to begin the season (retroactive to Mar. 25) as he recovers from an illness.

The 28-year-old was limited to four appearances during spring training. The flu he battled during camp resulted in a trip to the hospital, so Holderman has to ramp back up before he’s ready to return to Pittsburgh.

Last season with the Pirates, Holderman was second on the team with 58 appearances. He finished the year 0-3 with a 3.86 ERA and recorded the first two saves of his career. In 56 innings, he allowed 55 hits, struck out 58 batters and walked 20.

The right-hander is one of several relief pitchers out of action to start the year. Dauri Moreta will miss the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Carmen Mlodzinski is with Holderman on the 15-day IL with a forearm issue, and Bednar was not available for the opener as he works his way back from a lat issue. Bednar is not on the injured list.

Holderman is eligible to return from the injured list on Apr. 9, when the Pirates face the Detroit Tigers at PNC Park.