Chisenhall getting closer to return

DETROIT -- Pirates outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall is inching closer to a rehab assignment. And it’s possible the veteran utility man could see time at a familiar position when he’s cleared for Minor League games.

Chisenhall continues to make positive strides towards a return, and could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis this weekend, Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday.

“He’s resumed full baseball activities,” Tomczyk said of Chisenhall, who is on the 10-day injured list with a right index finger fracture. “He’s hitting, running and throwing without any issues.”

An eight-year MLB veteran, Chisenhall was recently spotted fielding ground balls at third base, and could see time at the hot corner at some point during his assignment, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle confirmed.

“Lonnie’s done it in the past,” Hurdle said. “Lonnie’s going to be intending to go on a rehab assignment soon, so we’re just getting him in some spots. We feel he may get some active duty on the assignment.”

Chisenhall has made 319 of his 568 career starts at third base, but hasn’t appeared in a game at third since 2016. He’s played the majority of his games in right and center field the past two seasons, while making only seven appearances at first base.

Bae disciplined by MLB
Pirates shortstop prospect Ji-Hwan Bae has been issued a 30-game suspension without pay that will run through May 17, for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement late Tuesday afternoon. The suspension is retroactive to April 18. Bae has completed a treatment program under the MLB policy, and has agreed not to appeal the disciplinary action.

The Pirates issued a statement saying they support the decision by the Commissioner's Office to suspend Bae and "agree with the need for significant penalties for any violation of this policy."

“The Pirates are committed to a culture that respects women on all levels and across all aspects of our organization,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said in a statement. “We will continue to work with him to ensure that he understands and adheres to the obligations and standards that are required of a professional baseball player and a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.”

Bae, who is ranked the Pirates’ No. 16 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, left the United States and returned to South Korea last May to cooperate with a police investigation regarding an ex-girlfriend's claims of domestic violence.

The 19-year-old was accused by 19-year-old Gi-Kim Seul, his former girlfriend, of slapping, choking and kicking her, according to a report by The Athletic. The case was reportedly settled in court this past winter.

The Pirates signed Bae last year for $1.2 million. It marked the second-largest bonus they have ever awarded an international amateur free agent.

Bae signed with the Braves in 2017, but his contract was voided when the organization was found to be violating international signing rules.

Bae, who was recently promoted to Class A Greensboro, will now return to Bradenton, Fla. for extended spring training. He hit .271 with a .362 on-base percentage in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League last year.

Trainer’s table
? Pirates outfielder Corey Dickerson (posterior right shoulder strain) has resumed throwing, and he started playing catch on flat ground Tuesday. He continues to hit without any restrictions, and Tomczyk said he “definitely thinks it’s possible” that Dickerson could rejoin the Pirates by the end of the month.

“He’s been hitting throughout this whole thing without any restrictions or reservations,” Tomczyk said. “So, the hitting aspect and timing, that in theory, should speed up any rehab assignment that he may agree to.”

? The Pirates haven't given a timetable for when outfielder Gregory Polanco and catcher Elias Diaz might come off the 10-day injured list, but all indications are that it won't be much longer before both players are ready to rejoin the team. Both Polanco and Diaz are currently on a rehab assignments at Triple-A Indianapolis.

? Pirates pitching prospect JT Brubaker left his start with Triple-A Indy on Monday night with muscle tightness in his forearm, Tomczyk said. Brubaker struck out five and allowed just four hits in 5 1/3 scoreless innings before the injury forced an early exit.

? Pirates starter Chad Kohl and Edgar Santana, both of whom are recovering from Tommy John surgery, are throwing from flat ground at 120 feet. They will enter a 10-day break from throwing at some point in the next 10-14 days, Tomczyk said.

? Pirates infielder Nick Franklin was expected to play in his first game for High-A Bradenton on Wednesday after missing all of Spring Training with a strained quad.

? Pirates third baseman Jose Osuna will begin to appear in simulated games at extended spring training, Tomczyk said. He’s been sidelined since March 28 with neck discomfort, and there’s no timetable for his return.

? Pirates second baseman Kevin Newman (right middle finger laceration) has resumed hitting and throwing, Tomczyk said. There’s no timetable yet for his return.