Ohlendorf may be done for the year
Two big blows to the rotation as two of the best performing starters this year are dealing with injuries…
-After exiting in the first inning after facing two batters, Ross Ohlendorf was diagnosed with a strained left muscle behind his left shoulder, and could be done for the year. There’s a chance that Ohlendorf could return by the end of the season.
-Jeff Karstens will miss his start tomorrow due to arm fatigue, and will be replaced by Daniel McCutchen.
-The Pirates might not need a starter to replace Ohlendorf. With the off-day on Thursday, the Pirates could skip Ohlendorf’s next start, which would be Sunday, allowing Paul Maholm to pitch on five days rest. That would allow the Pirates to hold off on bringing up a starter until after rosters expand on September 1st. Ohlendorf sounds like a strong DL candidate, although the Pirates could bring up additional bullpen help in the short term.
Charlie Morton, Joe Martinez, and Brian Burres are the only pitchers on the 40-man roster who are active and not on the 25-man roster. Morton might be the most deserving of a promotion right now, with a 1.50 ERA in four August starts, spanning 24 innings, including a 17:9 K/BB ratio and a .200 BAA.
