BRADENTON, Fla. — Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said it’s safe to assume pitcher A.J. Schugel will not be ready for opening day as he continues to rehab his injured shoulder.
“We’re running out of days with the calendar,” Tomcyzk said.
Schugel has started playing catch at 120 feet.
“If he responds to that well, we anticipate him throwing off the slope or a bullpen in the coming days,” Tomcyzk said.
In addition, Tomcyzk said right-hander Nick Burdi, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, is throwing on flat ground. Bo Schultz, who is also progressing from Tommy John, threw in a game at minor-league camp, which, Tomcyzk said, “at 11 and a half months [post-operation], was an unbelievable accomplishment.