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Pirates Notes: Update on Tyler Glasnow’s Shoulder Discomfort

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PITTSBURGH — The shoulder discomfort that caused an early exit for Tyler Glasnow in his second major-league start on Saturday is significant enough that he will make a trip to the 15-day disabled list.

Glasnow was pulled after 78 pitches through three-plus innings, saying that the discomfort got worse as the start went on. The Pirates have not detailed a rehab or recovery plan for Glasnow at this point. He has not had any x-rays or MRIs done on the shoulder.

“You come up and this happens, it’s definitely frustrating, but worse things have happened, so I’m going to stay positive,” Glasnow said Sunday morning.

Manager Clint Hurdle didn’t discuss the severity of the injury, but he said that Glasnow’s experience in the big leagues will give him a blueprint of what to work on going forward.

“He had some things that were quite frequently brought to his specific attention that he’s got to work on going forward,” Hurdle said. “This could actually be a blessing.”

The Pirates turned around reliever A.J. Schugel, who hadn’t even left for Triple-A Indianapolis after being optioned on Saturday, and put him right back on the roster.

“For us to carry an extra [relief] pitcher just makes sense right now just based on some of the inconsistencies we’re having out there in other areas,” Hurdle said “We’ve had good performances, but the overall consistency has been challenging. That’s why we have the innings pitched out of the bullpen that we have.”

DIAZ GETS A START

Rookie catcher Elias Diaz will make his first major-league start after being called up on Saturday to replace Eric Fryer, who is on the paternity list.

Diaz said Saturday that he was grateful for the opportunity, especially coming so soon after his elbow injury that cost him two months of the season.

The Pirates will continue to look for days off for Francisco Cervelli has he continues to recover from hamate bone surgery.

BACK TO DANCING

Pirates closer Mark Melancon blew two straight saves last week, an uncharacteristic blip for one of the most consistent relief pitchers in the majors over the last three seasons. But unlike some other situations, Hurdle never wavered from Melancon.

“I think one of the reasons that this particular scenario happened this year was because [last year], the sky was falling early in the year when he had a rough start,” Hurdle said. “He pushed though it remarkably well, got stronger as the year went on, finished with 51 saves. Knowing that he has dealt with adversity and come out the other side of it probably gave him some credit in the bank with the fanbase.”

Melancon is noted for having a calm demeanor on the mound, and that, combined with his ground-ball tendencies, have combined to make him a closer that doesn’t get too concerned when he allows some traffic on the bases, and also allowed him to finish off his inning with the score tied so that his team could come back to win in extras in both games last week.

But what about in between appearances, especially after a blown save or a sub par outing?

“Of course I think about it, but I can’t sweat it,” Melancon said. “No matter how good of a year you have, you’re going to have some struggles. This game isn’t built around perfection. So you can’t think about it too much, you have to move on to the next night.”

RETALIATION POSSIBLE?

Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp won’t play as a precaution after being hit in the head by Glasnow Saturday. He’s the second Phillies player to miss time after being hit by a pitch this series. Third baseman Maikel Franco will miss his second straight game after being hit in the wrist Friday.

“I don’t believe the kid did it on purpose,” Rupp said. “It happens. Balls get away from people. But [the Pirates] are known for pitching inside. They start hitting guys, I don’t think it makes your teammates very happy.”

Phillies starter Vincent Velasquez has hit just one batter in 85.2 innings this season, so he’s not normally known for a lack of control.

NOTES

In addition to Diaz, backups David Freese, Matt Joyce and Sean Rodriguez are in the starting lineup as Hurdle gives two days of rest to some of his starters with an off day Monday.

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