Pirates
Pirates Injury Updates: Kevin Newman (Groin) Expected Back Monday
PITTSBURGH — Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman will miss his third straight game with a groin injury on Sunday, but is tracking toward a return on Monday, general manager Ben Cherington said on Sunday.
“Good day of work today,” Cherington said on 93.7 The Fan. “Feeling better. Knock on wood, we’re optimistic that he will be back in there tomorrow.”
Hoy Park replaced Newman on Friday, Cole Tucker played short on Saturday and Diego Castillo filled in on Sunday. With several options on the active roster capable of playing shortstop and another minor injury to catcher Roberto Pérez, the Pirates decided not to make a transaction to help cover Newman’s injury. Infielders Rodolfo Castro and Oneil Cruz are options for shortstop at Triple-A Indianapolis. Cruz did not play in Indy’s game on Saturday, but Cherington said that was just a coincidence and not related to a potential recall.
Pérez returned to the lineup on Sunday against the Nationals after missing one game with a left quad bruise. Andrew Knapp replaced Pérez while he was out. Knapp is the only other catcher on the team’s 40-man roster.
Right-handed pitcher Luis Oviedo (right ankle sprain) had his rehab assignment transferred from Single-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona and threw one-third of an inning of relief for the Curve on Sunday.