Pirates: No wrist discomfort or soreness for Ke'Bryan Hayes as rookie 3B resumes swinging
May 6—When Ke'Bryan Hayes resumed the return-to-swinging progression of his rehabilitation from a left wrist injury this week, he didn't experience discomfort or soreness.
That was the good news from Pittsburgh Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, who said the symptoms that kept the rookie third baseman sidelined after he aggravated the injury while taking practice swings April 21 at Comerica Park in Detroit.
"That is going well at this point," Tomczyk said Wednesday. "The short-term plan for Ke'Bryan is to continue to build up the swing volume in the cage, respond and see how he comes out of that. There is a goal that he hits on the field in the coming days, hopefully later this week."
Tomczyk said the Pirates are taking a day-to-day approach with Hayes, who went on the injured list April 4. Hayes was scheduled to play with their alternate-site team in Toledo before inclement weather canceled those games, so he could do a rehab assignment in the minors.
"To give Key the best view and the best chance to be successful when he does return to the major leagues, it does make sense to get him some type of rehab at-bats prior to activating him," Tomczyk said. "But, again, those conversations are ongoing. Nothing has been truly socialized that far out."
Tomczyk also said right-handed starter Chad Kuhl (shoulder) threw a second side session at Petco Park in San Diego on Wednesday afternoon before the Pirates' game against the Padres. The next step likely is throwing a simulated game or live batting practice.
"We'll see how he comes out of the side," Tomczyk said, adding that Pirates general manager Ben Cherington, manager Derek Shelton, pitching coach Oscar Marin and the medical staff will meet with Kuhl to determined next steps in his progression.
Tomczyk said left-handed starter Steven Brault (left lat strain) "continues to make nice strides in his rehab" and is going through advanced strengthening exercises.
"The goal is to progress him to single-handed plyometric work, as we continue to prep the arm to throw by the end of this week, if not mid-to-late next week," Tomczyk said.
Tomczyk said outfielder Jared Oliva (abdominal strain) is going through rehab in Bradenton, Fla., and has initiated some light baseball activities and remains on track for full baseball activities within four to six weeks.
Kevin Gorman is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Kevin by email at kgorman@triblive.com or via Twitter .