The Pittsburgh Pirates faced an early setback when it was announced that first baseman Spencer Horwitz underwent surgery on his right wrist just before spring training began.
However, there’s positive news on his recovery. Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk provided an update, revealing that Horwitz had his sutures removed from his wrist and is still on schedule to make a return within the six to eight-week window that general manager Ben Cherington outlined on February 12.
Horwitz was seen after practice taking ground balls at first base.
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Spencer Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for right-handed starting pitcher Luis Ortiz and left-handed pitching prospects Michael Kennedy and Joshua Hartle. Horwitz, who played 97 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, was traded to the Guardians as part of a deal for All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez.
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington revealed that during the trade’s medical evaluation, he was made aware of an issue with Horwitz’s right wrist. However, a different concern ultimately led to the need for surgery.
“Shortly after PiratesFest, as he began his offseason hitting routine, he developed new symptoms,” Cherington explained. “After some rest and further evaluation, we had him checked by Dr. Graham. A new MRI revealed an injury to the tendon in his right wrist, which Dr. Graham, who had also treated him in Toronto, recommended surgery for. It’s definitely frustrating and a setback.”
Horwitz, 27, had a solid season for the Blue Jays, posting a .265/.357/.433 slash line with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs. He began the year in Triple-A Buffalo, where he hit .335/.456/.514 with 4 home runs and 38 RBIs before being called up to the majors, making his big league debut on June 8.
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