Best case for Pirates' Steven Brault: He could miss only one start
When Steven Brault was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, he took the news with his usual good nature, aware that pitching professionally puts uncommon stress on arms and shoulders.
“It’s something that’s going to happen,” Brault said of his left shoulder strain. “We throw baseballs as hard as we can all the time. Your body’s not always going to agree with you on doing that.”
It could be worse for Brault, who has carved a niche for himself in the Pirates starting rotation after opening the season in the bullpen. An MRI of his shoulder revealed only a strain and no major damage.
“We got back news that was encouraging,” manager Clint Hurdle said.
When asked how he felt, Brault said, “Bummed, a little bit, but overall pretty good.”
”It’s going to be not too long of a process, just make sure we get fully healthy before we come back.”
Brault, who’s 3-1 with a 4.15 ERA and is on a six-game hitting streak, said the shoulder became increasingly sore Friday night before he was forced to leave the game in the fifth inning.
“I could tell something was a little off, but nothing horrible,” he said. “(We) shut it down just to make sure we didn’t do any real irreparable damage.”
With the four-day All-Star break looming, Brault’s injury occurred at a favorable time. If his rehab goes well, he could miss only one start.
“I get a little break (seven to 10 days without throwing) and get to come back in the same spot I was without any shoulder pain,” he said. “Same confidence, same ability to attack the zone. Just being able to be fully comfortable when I’m out there will be a step in the right direction.
“It will be beneficial in the long run.”
He’s hopeful he’ll be able to pitch, perhaps, during the Pirates’ next homestand, starting July 19 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“With a good program and sticking to it, I don’t see any need to have to wait much longer than (10 days),” he said.
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Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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