\u201cYeah I think both Endy and Spencer, doing well, progressing well,” Cherington said. We expect, don\u2019t know exactly what date a rehab assignment would start, but we\u2019re hopeful that within the next week to 10 days we\u2019ll see them in rehab games.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re both soft tissue injuries, obviously. We just got to make sure they\u2019re in a good spot with those recovering well, but they\u2019re both progressing well and it should be sooner rather than later.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rodr\u00edguez Gives Pirates a Reliable Hitting Catcher<\/p>\n
The Pirates were looking for any catcher to provide some offense<\/a> and the emergence of Rodr\u00edguez gave them that when they recalled him from Triple-A Indianapolis on May 12.<\/p>\n Rodr\u00edguez batted .260\/.388\/.470 for an OPS of .858\t in 35 games from his promotion to his injury, with 26 hits in 100 at-bats, 15 runs scored, six doubles, five home runs, 16 RBI and 21 walks to 29 strikeouts.<\/p>\n Jul 5, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez (13) hits the ball into play against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n He did so well, that the Pirates traded fellow catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves on June 18, when he was set to return from his left foot infection, which gave Rodr\u00edguez the spot<\/a> on the major league roster.<\/p>\n Rodr\u00edguez is also a contrast to another Pirates catcher, Henry Davis, who has hit much better in July, but still has poor numbers on the year, .167\/.266\/.339 for an OPS of .605.<\/p>\n The Pirates would love to get Rodr\u00edguez back, especially if he and Davis can keep producing from the plate and bolstering one of the better offenses in baseball.<\/p>\n Spencer Horwitz Having Career Year Before Injury<\/p>\n Horwitz was one of the most important hitters for the Pirates this season and played a big role in their offensive success in the first three months of 2026.<\/p>\n He slashed .280\/.386\/.455 for an OPS of .841 in 74 games, with 69 hits, 11 doubles, 10 home runs, 33 RBI and 40 walks to 40 strikeouts.<\/p>\n May 30, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (2) celebrates his leadoff solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Horwitz was incredibly effective at getting on base and ranked amongst the best in baseball before his injury.<\/p>\n The Pirates also deployed Horwitz throughout the batting order<\/a> and had him in the leadoff spot for the last few weeks before his injury, where he excelled, hitting .276\/.388\/.469 for an OPS of .857.<\/p>\n Horwitz returning comes after he spent time down in Florida rehabbing and would also give Ryan O’Hearn a break at first base.<\/p>\n It also likely puts O’Hearn at designated hitter for the long haul, with rookie right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez dominating over the past three weeks, making a strong lineup even better. <\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxxtbdfgrrmk3tv4t4.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
<\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxxtxeqzzrjfhw4vh2.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
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