Pittsburgh Pirates backup catcher Chris Stewart has been rehabbing at Pirate City as he recovers from minor knee surgery a few weeks ago. Stewart has already done everything he can do behind the plate, including catching bullpens, blocking pitches, throwing down to second, and fielding bunts. He has also been catching simulated games in the batting cages, to get ready for his first game action.
“The knee is responding pretty well,” Stewart said. “We’re trying to basically put it through a barrage of field tests to make sure everything is good to go before I get in the game. Everything is going good so far.”
Stewart is hoping to play in a simulated game on Friday. He would go 5-7 innings in that game, then see how his body responds before getting into full games. As for his potential return, Stewart said that the goal was to push the rehab as much as possible, while also being cautious to avoid another injury or coming back too soon.
“I’m hoping to be back sooner than later,” Stewart said. “That’s the goal. But I don’t want to come back sooner than I should be and get hurt and kind of delay everything.”