Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Startling Marte remains unable to throw at full effort and can not yet swing a bat with two hands, reports Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Starling Marte injury: Pirates OF cannot throw, swing yet
The Pittsburgh left fielder is progressing slower than the Pirates hoped, and may be out well into September.
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Marte has been dealing with a right hand contusion since Aug. 11 and has been on the disabled list since Aug. 24. The Pirates had been hoping he could be able to play in simulated games by the weekend, but that is looking more and more unlikely. The new goal is likely to have him taking two-handed swings by the weekend.
The Pirates will miss Marte, 24, while he is out. Though September roster expansion allows the team to bring up a number of players, and Bucs brought both Marlon Byrd and Justin Morneau in via August trades, it is hard to replace Marte’s production. The second-year player has hit .282/.343/.443 with 11 home runs and 35 stolen bases in 2013. He is also known as an excellent defensive player in left field.
Jose Tabata has played left field most often in Marte's absence. Overall, Pirates' left fielders have hit for a 731 OPS the past two weeks.
Pittsburgh is currently holding onto a one game lead in the NL Central and recently clinched the team’s first non-losing season in over 20 years.
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