Pirates Pitcher Unable To Grip Baseball; "Likely Weeks Not Days" Before He Can Throw Again

Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Jarlín García is currently dealing with left arm soreness, according to Todd Tomczyk, the team's director of sports medicine.

Although tests have ruled out any structural damage to his shoulder or elbow, García is still reportedly unable to grip a baseball. The team is yet to provide a formal diagnosis for his injury, but further testing will be conducted in the coming days.

Injury update from Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk: Jarlin Garcia's elbow/shoulder are checking out fine, but he's unable to grip a ball. Pirates are working on an exact diagnosis, but will likely be weeks before he's throwing again.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 8, 2023

García's status for Opening Day remains uncertain, but it appears he's at risk of missing some time at the beginning of the season. If García is unable to start the season, it could open up a spot for Rule 5 pick José Hernandez to make the Pirates' roster.

Tomczyk said it it will be "probably not days and more like weeks before he begins to throw, if not longer."

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk on Jarlin Garcia: "This is probably not days and more like weeks before he begins to throw, if not longer."

Tomczyk added Robert Stephenson threw a side session yesterday. Working on next steps.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 8, 2023

The Pirates signed the 30-year-old to a one-year, $2.5 million contract this offseason.

Over his six-year career, he holds a 3.61 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, with 259 strikeouts over 322 innings and 285 appearances. Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports