Six weeks after suffering multiple facial fractures after being hit by a pitch, Pirates pitcher Ryan Vogelsong took the first step towards returning.
The 38-year-old pitcher pitched five innings Sunday in a rehab start for the Altoona Curve, the Pirates' Double-A affiliate.
Vogelsong gave up six hits, three earned runs, didn't walk anybody and struck out one batter. He didn't factor into the decision.
The former Giants pitcher was hit by a 92 mile per hour fastball from Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles on May 23. He underwent surgery on June 2 to repair multiple facial fractures.