ST. LOUIS -- Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, the regular left side of the Bucs' infield, were both in Indianapolis on Tuesday to begin rehabs from a torn left thumb ligament and a sprained left knee, respectively. Minor League rehab stints for position players are capped at 20 days, a limit the pair would thus hit on Sept. 1, when big league rosters expand.
Coincidence?
Actually, yes. Earlier returns would pose serious roster/playing time issues, but, as Clint Hurdle said, "What manager wouldn't want more, better players on his team?"
In addition, Hurdle can't minimize how important Harrison and Mercer were in setting this season into motion and, in fact, acknowledged, "We've mapped out something that can get them back well before Sept.