Initial injury diagnosis appears promising for Pirates pitcher Nick Burdi

The initial word from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Nick Burdi’s arm injury was described as “right bicep/elbow pain.”

There was no mention of a bone break or muscle tear in his surgically repaired right arm after he threw a 97-mph fastball Monday night at PNC Park and immediately grabbed his elbow and dropped to his knees, sobbing.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday a preliminary exam revealed a strained biceps tendon and flexor mass. Burdi received a magnetic imaging angiogram of his elbow, but the Pirates said their medical team will seek a second opinion.

“I’m not going to get caught up in the initial diagnosis,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “I’m going to let this thing play out. I’m a big fan of getting information out that’s accurate. Just wait and see. We’re hoping for the best. Our thoughts and prayers go his way.”

Aside from the circumstances surrounding the injury, there also was concern for Burdi because he missed most of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, in the Pirates’ clubhouse, relief pitcher Keone Kela, who — like Burdi — is a relative newcomer to the team, said he believes his bullpen buddy will be OK.

“I assume it’s an unsettling situation, but he’s a warrior,” Kela said. “He’ll persevere through it.

“It’s unsettling, even for us because we know what comes with being in this position. We know what comes with this job, and injury is one of those things. When that happened, we definitely all felt a sense of grief just because we know that, too, can happen to us.”

Earlier this season, Kela organized teammates to purchase a sleeveless leather jacket for Burdi, who bears a resemblance to the Ricky Vaughn character in the movie “Major League.”

“His glasses and he throws cheddar,” Kela said. “Nick Burdi is a very, very hard worker. He’s an avid baseball enthusiast, and he loves what he does and he does it with passion. To have a guy like that go down, it definitely hurts, but we know that’s not in vain. We know he has a tremendous work ethic and we know great things will come out of this, regardless of what happens.”

Hurdle said he didn’t feel the need to speak to his team about the situation.

“There are times when I don’t think you need to overcomplicate the situation,” Hurdle said. “They need to feel what they need to feel, and they have. They’ve put their arms around (Burdi), each and every one of these guys, and they embraced him.

“They’ve had their conversations. There’s a healing go on with the other (injured players) and Nick. I believe these men have grown to a position. They don’t need to be pulled together and, especially, told what to do. That’s what I’ve really grown to appreciate is watching what they do and how they handle it and I think they’ve handled it very professionally.”

To replace Burdi on the Pirates’ roster, relief pitcher Steven Brault was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis only hours after he was sent down Monday to make room for outfielder Gregory Polanco. Brault didn’t even have time to leave Pittsburgh before he rejoined the team.

The Pirates used a seven-man bullpen Tuesday for the second of a four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park.

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