The Pittsburgh Pirates placed catcher Joey Bart on the seven-day injured list on Wednesday after he suffered a concussion during their game on Tuesday. Bart was struck on the back of the head by a backswing from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the fourth inning of the Pirates’ 9-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Details of the Injury and Game Impact
Bart left the game after warming up reliever Joey Wentz in the fifth inning and was replaced by Henry Davis behind the plate. The incident forced the team to adjust their lineup during the road win, as Bart’s condition required immediate attention. The catcher, 28, has been batting .240 this season with one home run and 11 RBIs across 44 games.
Bart’s Career Background and Current Season Performance
Joey Bart was selected second overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants after his time at Georgia Tech. Over his career, which includes tenure with both the Giants (2020-23) and the Pirates (2024-present), he has compiled a .236 batting average with 25 home runs and 94 RBIs in 286 games. This season, he has contributed steadily before this recent setback.
Additional Player Update: Rodriguez’s Status
Another Pirates player, Rodriguez, who recently turned 25, remains sidelined due to an injury from April 15. He required stitches after being hit by a deflected pitch on his right index finger in a home game against the Washington Nationals. So far this season, Rodriguez has played in 15 games with a .178 batting average, recording three doubles and two RBIs.
Looking Ahead: Team Adjustments and Recovery
The Pirates now face the challenge of managing their roster without Bart as he recovers from the concussion. The seven-day injured list placement allows him time to heal while giving Pittsburgh an opportunity to rely on backups like Henry Davis. The team’s handling of these injuries will be important as they continue through the season.