Pirates’ Spencer Horwitz Nearing Start of Rehab Assignment

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in need of help offensively, and they are one step closer to adding a reinforcement.

First baseman Spencer Horwitz left the clubhouse at PNC Park on Friday and will travel to Pirate City to face live pitching. Ben Cherington said on his weekly 93.7 The Fan Radio show that Horwitz should officially bring a rehab assignment at the end of this month or early May.

The Pirates acquired Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians this offseason after he was dealt there from the Toronto Blue Jays. Pittsburgh sent right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz and a pair of prospects to land him.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined since the start of spring training after undergoing surgery on his thumb/wrist.

Last season in Toronto, appeared in 97 games and slashed .265/.357/.433 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs and 40 RBIs.

Horwitz made his MLB debut in 2023 and hit .256 with a .726 OPS in 15 games.

The Pirates have used a number of options at first base in Horwitz’s absence, including Endy Rodríguez, Enmanuel Valdez and Jared Triolo.

The Pirates offense is near the bottom of the league in most major categories. After their 5-4 loss to the Guardians on Sunday, the team has a collective .206/.289/.320 batting line with 16 home runs in 23 games. They are averaging 3.4 runs per game.