Johan Oviedo's Comeback Derailed: Key Setback for Pirates Pitcher

Oviedo, Spain - The Pittsburgh Pirates fans can breathe just a tad easier as starting pitcher Johan Oviedo has recently commenced his first rehab assignment. Beginning on June 30, 2024, with the Florida Complex League Pirates, Oviedo took to the mound against the FCL Twins. It had been a long, challenging road for the Cuban-born player since his last official game appearance on September 27, 2023, and it follows a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery performed on his right elbow in December 2023.

In that inaugural rehab game, Oviedo faced some difficulties, allowing three hits, hitting a batter, and giving up two earned runs, all in just 0.2 innings pitched during a 9-2 loss. Despite these initial challenges, it marked a significant milestone in his comeback journey after missing the entire 2024 season.

The Setbacks

However, this journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Just when the anticipation for his return was building, MLB.com reported that Oviedo encountered a right lat muscle injury during live batting practice in early March. This unfortunate setback led to his placement on the 60-day injured list, pushing back his goal of a swift return. Team doctors, including Dr. Keith Meister, who performed his surgery, will be monitoring his condition closely with follow-up imaging scheduled in four weeks.

The optimism surrounding Oviedo hasn’t fully dimmed, however; he is expected to start using plyo balls in about six weeks, a positive indication that he is on the mend. According to Todd Tomczyk, the Pirates‘ Senior Director of Sports Medicine, while they are frustrated by the delay, Oviedo’s elbow has healed well. The young pitcher had previously displayed considerable talent, leading the National League with 11 pitch-time violations in 2023, alongside his impressive stats of 158 strikeouts over 177.2 innings pitched.

Looking Ahead

What does this mean for the Pirates‘ rotation? Currently, the team includes reliable arms like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and rookie Mike Burrows, as well as lefties Bailey Falter and Andrew Heaney. While Oviedo’s absence is a setback, the Pirates are encouraged by their depth in starting pitching, considering stretching relievers to fill any gaps.

Oviedo’s journey is one of resilience, clearly demonstrating that he has faced not just physical obstacles but also the mental challenges that come with significant injuries. As excitement grows around his potential return, Motorcycle Sports notes that Oviedo is nearing an important milestone; he has already started to face live batters again, showing pitching velocity between 93-95 mph, just a whisper away from his average speed of 95.8 mph in 2023.

With his history in mind—which includes representing Cuba at the 2012 15U Baseball World Championship and signing with the Cardinals as an international free agent in 2016—it’s clear Oviedo has never shied away from a challenge. As he continues on his road to recovery, both he and Pirates fans have plenty to look forward to in the 2025 season ahead.