Max Kranick Injury News & Updates

The Pirates reinstated Kranick (elbow) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Kranick has spent all season on the IL while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last June. The right-hander most recently made the fourth appearance of his rehab assignment Wednesday with Indianapolis and will stick around with the affiliate now that he's been activated. Kranick has covered between one and three innings in each of his rehab appearances thus far, so he could be deployed as a multi-inning reliever at Indianapolis rather than as a traditional starter.

Kranick (elbow) struck out four and gave up one hit and one walk over 2.2 scoreless innings Friday in his rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Kranick was lit up for five earned runs while recording just four outs in his first rehab start for Single-A Bradenton on Aug. 13, but he's bounced back well over his subsequent two outings, striking out six while issuing just one walk in 5.2 innings. The right-hander is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in June of 2022 and looks as though he's being built back up to a starting role, as he tossed 44 pitches Friday. Kranick will likely make at least two or three more rehab appearances for Indianapolis before the Pirates entertain the possibility of bringing him back from the 60-day injured list.

Kranick (elbow) had his rehab assignment shifted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, MLB.com reports.

Kranick struggled across two outings and 4.1 innings by allowing five earned runs with Single-A Bradenton. He turned things around a bit in his opening appearance with Indianapolis, allowing only one hit across 2.2 scoreless innings while striking out four and walking one. Kranick is returning from Tommy John surgery, and it's possible that he will be activated from the injured list at some point in September.

Kranick (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton on Sunday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Kranick has been working his way back from a Tommy John procedure that he underwent in June 2022, and is now set to begin the final stage of his rehab process. Kranick will likely require multiple starts in the minors before returning to Pittsburgh, but he could be back by early September if all goes well during his assignment. The 26-year-old righty holds a 5.56 ERA and 1.65 WHIP through 43.2 innings across his big-league career.

Kranick (elbow) is on track to begin a rehab assignment early next week with Low-A Bradenton, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Kranick is over 14 months removed from Tommy John surgery and should be an option for Pittsburgh's pitching staff around the beginning of September if all goes well on the farm. It's not yet clear whether the Pirates plan to bring him back as a starter or reliever. They could use help in either area of the depth chart.

Kranick (elbow) is slated to begin facing hitters in two weeks, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick threw a bullpen session at PNC Park on Friday as he continues to ramp up his rehab from last June's Tommy John surgery. He'll eventually go out on a rehab assignment after facing hitters for a bit, but it will be a while. Kranick could make a late-season return, but the Pirates probably aren't counting on him to really contribute until 2024.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said April 19 that Kranick (elbow) has been cleared to play catch four times per week at a distance of 125 feet, MLB.com reports.

Kranick, who is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last June, looks like he could be ready to begin throwing bullpen sessions at some point in May. The 25-year-old right-hander looks like he has a chance to return from the 60-day injured list this season, though likely not until August or September.

The Pirates placed Kranick (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for Mark Mathias, whom the Pirates acquired from Texas on Wednesday. Kranick isn't expected to return until late in the season, if at all, as he recovers from June 2022 Tommy John surgery.

Kranick (elbow) is expected to resume throwing off a mound in late April, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Kranick, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, has reported to the Pirates' spring camp and is soon expected to resume throwing five times a week. He'll gradually stretch out his throwing distance off flat ground before advancing to bullpen sessions at some point over the next three months, but he doesn't look as though he'll be on pace to pitch in games until August or September, in a best-case scenario.

The Pirates recalled Kranick (elbow) from Triple-A Indianapolis and placed him on the 60-day injured list Monday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

The transaction is merely procedural, as Kranick underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this month and is set to miss the rest of the 2022 season and most of the 2023 campaign. His addition to the 60-day IL frees up a spot on the Pirates' 40-man roster that the organization will look to fill at a later date.

Kranick underwent Tommy John surgery Saturday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on May 12, but he didn't make any appearances following his demotion due to his forearm/elbow injury. The right-hander will be forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season and a significant portion of the 2023 campaign following Saturday's procedure. It's a discouraging development for the 24-year-old, who displayed increased velocity this year and posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 6.2 innings over three appearances (two starts) in Indianapolis.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Kranick may be shut down for "a little bit of time" with a right forearm/elbow injury, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Since being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis following his three-inning relief appearance with Pittsburgh on May 11, Kranick hasn't pitched for the Pirates' top affiliate. He was placed on Indianapolis' 7-day injured list Tuesday, with Cherington later revealing the nature of Kranick's injury. The 24-year-old will most likely miss several weeks while recovering from the arm issue.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

The 24-year-old has made two relief appearances for the major-league club this year, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out four over five scoreless innings. In spite of his strong results, Kranick will head back to the minors after Duane Underwood (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Kranick allowed two hits and a walk while striking out one across three scoreless innings Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Kranick followed Dillon Peters in a piggyback appearance, and he's now turned in five scoreless innings to begin his season. Kranick got a delayed start to the campaign after landing on the injured list with a forearm issue and has shuffled between Pittsburgh and Triple-A Indianapolis since being activated. Kranick was in the big-league rotation for part of the 2021 season, so it's reasonable to expect he may get the chance to start at some point in the coming months.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Kranick was optioned to Indianapolis on Sunday after he was called up to serve as the Pirates' 27th man for the club's doubleheader Saturday with the Reds, but he'll be eligible to return to Pittsburgh just two days later due to outfielder Jake Marisnick (thumb) being placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. While he's with Pittsburgh, Kranick is expected to work out of the bullpen as a long-relief or multi-inning option.

Kranick will serve as the Pirates' 27th man for their doubleheader Saturday against Cincinnati, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Mitch Keller will start the afternoon game, but the Pirates have yet to announce who will start the nightcap. That job now looks like it could go to Kranick, though it's also possible he'll be tasked with providing length out of the bullpen. He missed the start of the year while recovering from a right forearm strain and owns a 3.12 ERA through four minor-league appearances, none of which lasted longer than three innings.

Kranick (forearm) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

He gave up four runs (three earned) over 6.2 innings over three rehab appearances. Kranick could rejoin the big club as either a starter or multi-inning reliever.

Kranick (forearm) allowed one run (none earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out two across three innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

This was Kranick's second rehab outing with Indianapolis and his longest appearance of the season as he works back from a forearm strain he sustained during the lockout. The 24-year-old made his major-league debut in 2021 but struggled to a 6.28 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP across 38.2 innings. He is likely to remain in Triple-A after being activated from the injured list, but given the current state of the Pirates' starting staff, he could be called upon to enter the big-league rotation at some point this season.

Kranick (forearm) will continue his rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Kranick began his rehab assignment at Low-A Bradenton but hasn't appeared in a game since April 12. He threw a side session in Indianapolis on Tuesday and is expected to appear in a game for the Triple-A club Friday. It seems likely that he'll remain in Indianapolis when healthy since he's out of options.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Kranick (forearm) threw a side session at Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick made his first rehab start for Low-A Bradenton on April 12, but he may have suffered a minor setback coming out of that outing, as he hasn't pitched since. The fact that he hasn't been shut down from throwing can be viewed as a positive sign, and he looks poised to throw again this weekend. If all goes well, Kranick could make his second rehab start at some point during the upcoming week for Indianapolis.

Kranick (forearm) is scheduled to make a rehab start Tuesday for Low-A Bradenton.

Kranick didn't see any action during the Grapefruit League slate while he recovered from a right forearm strain, so Tuesday's outing will likely be the first of multiple rehab appearances for the 24-year-old before he's activated from the 10-day injured list. The time Kranick missed along with the fact that he has minor-league options remaining likely means that he'll be sent to Triple-A Indianapolis once reinstated, though the organization's plans for him could change if the big club has an opening in the rotation a few weeks down the road.

The Pirates placed Kranick on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right forearm strain, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

According to Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com, Kranick first experienced tightness in his right arm while throwing a live batting practice during the lockout. According to Conor Foley of The Scranton Times-Tribune, Kranick was deemed asymptomatic of the injury shortly after reporting to camp and has resumed facing hitters, but he'll still have to start the season on the IL after not making an appearance during the Grapefruit League slate. Pittsburgh will likely want to see Kranick make at least two rehab starts before activating him from the IL, and since he has minor-league options remaining, he could end up settling at Triple-A Indianapolis once he's reinstated.

Kranick allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts through four innings, taking a no-decision in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Reds.

Kranick allowed a run or more in three of his four innings Saturday night, as the Pittsburgh rookie struggled to subdue Cincinnati's bats. The big blow came in the fourth via a two-run shot by Eugenio Suarez that gave the Reds a 4-0 lead. Thankfully for Kranick's sake, the Pirates rallied to spare him the loss. The right-hander finishes the season with an inflated 6.28 ERA and a sub-optimal 32:19 K:BB. Even with these numbers, Kranick flashed at times in his first campaign (he was pulled after five perfect innings in his MLB debut against the Cardinals in June), and will squarely be in the fight for a roster spot next season.

Kranick (2-3) earned the win Sunday versus Philadelphia with five shutout innings. He allowed four hits and three walks while striking out five.

The right-hander operated on thin margins, but he was able to preserve the one-run lead afforded by Cole Tucker's leadoff home run. Kranick hadn't kept runs off the board since his five perfect innings versus St. Louis on June 27. For the season, he's pitched to a 6.23 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 30:17 K:BB across 34.2 innings at the big-league level. He lines up for one more start next weekend versus Cincinnati.

Kranick will start Sunday's game in Philadelphia.

Kranick will make his second straight turn through the rotation after he struck out six and gave up three runs over five innings in a no-decision last weekend in Miami following his call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis. The rookie right-hander is sitting on a 7.28 ERA overall through his first seven big-league starts.

Kranick allowed three runs on four hits and four walks in five innings during Sunday's loss against Miami. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Kranick turned in a pair of perfect frames to start the game and kept Miami scoreless through three innings. He coughed up a two-run double to Joe Panik in the fourth and an RBI sacrifice fly to Jesus Sanchez in the fifth. Since tossing five perfect innings in his MLB debut, Kranick has been rocked for 24 runs across 24.2 innings (8.76 ERA) with a 22:14 K:BB in six outings. If he gets another turn in the rotation, the right-handed rookie is projected to face the Phillies on the road next week.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from the taxi squad ahead of Sunday's start against the Marlins, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

The righty threw five perfect frames in his MLB debut but has struggled since and now has a 7.66 ERA and 1.78 WHIP in 24.2 total innings. Despite the uninspiring numbers, Kranick could remain in the rotation beyond Sunday now that Bryse Wilson (hamstring) is on the injured list.

Kranick will be added to the major-league roster to start Sunday against the Marlins, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

The right-hander has been with the Pirates over the past few days as a member of the taxi squad, and he'll officially rejoin the big-league roster to start Sunday's series finale. Kranick has a 7.66 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB across 24.2 innings this season, and it's unclear whether or not he'll remain in the rotation for the final two weeks of the campaign.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Kranick started Wednesday's game and allowed five runs in 4.2 innings to take the loss against the White Sox. The right-hander will return to the minors after Phillip Evans was recalled to provide additional infield depth since Michael Chavis (elbow) and Ke'Bryan Hayes (hand) are sidelined.

Kranick (1-3) took the loss Wednesday after pitching 4.2 innings and surrendering five runs on eight hits, two walks and striking out one against the White Sox.

The rookie was recalled Wednesday from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of the start and was unable to keep the White Sox in check. A three-run home run by Gavin Sheets in the fourth inning provided the biggest blow against him. In six starts in the majors this season, he has registered a disastrous 7.66 ERA and 1.78 WHIP over 24.2 innings.

Kranick was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Wednesday's start against the White Sox.

Kranick made four minor-league starts since he was sent down in early August, and he posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 16 innings during that time. He's given up at least three runs in each of his last four major-league outings but will attempt to turn things around against the White Sox on Wednesday.

Kranick will be promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Wednesday against the White Sox, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Kranick has been in the minors since being demoted in early August, but he'll rejoin the big-league rotation Wednesday. The right-hander surrendered three earned runs over 4.1 innings during his last start for Indianapolis and has a 7.20 ERA over 20 big-league innings (five starts) this season.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Jake Crouse of MLB.com

Kranick made two starts in his most recent major-league stint, and he allowed nine runs on 15 hits and four walks while striking out seven in nine innings. The right-hander will attempt to sort things out in the minors after Steven Brault (lat) was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

Kranick allowed three earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four across four innings Tuesday against the Brewers. He did not factor into the decision.

Kranick labored throughout the start, as he allowed multiple baserunners in two innings and managed only one clean frame. He struggled to consistently throw strikes, with only 48 of his 82 pitches finding the zone. He avoided a disastrous outing by allowing only one home run -- a solo shot by Willy Adames. Since throwing five perfect innings in his major-league debut, Kranick has allowed 17 earned runs across 15 innings in four additional appearances.

Kranick will stick in the Pittsburgh rotation and make his next start Tuesday in Milwaukee, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Kranick was moved back into the rotation last week as a replacement for Tyler Anderson, who was dealt away to the Mariners ahead of the deadline. The rookie right-hander also faced the Brewers in that start, and he was lit up for six runs on 10 hits and one walk over five innings. Since tossing five no-hit innings in his MLB debut June 27, Kranick has submitted a 10.64 ERA and 2.36 WHIP in three starts with Pittsburgh.

Kranick (1-2) took the loss Wednesday versus Milwaukee. He allowed six runs on 10 hits, a walk and a hit batter with three strikeouts in five-plus innings.

Remarkably, the 24-year-old threw only 73 pitches (50 strikes), but Milwaukee was able to produce runs in the first, fourth and sixth innings. Kranick saw his ERA tick up to 7.31 with a 1.63 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB through 16 innings this year. The right-hander could be an option in the rotation going forward, but he's clearly still adjusting to major-league hitters. If he continues working as a starter, he lines up for a rematch in Milwaukee next week.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton confirmed that Kranick will start Wednesday's game against the Brewers, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Kranick was fully expected to get the ball for the second game of the series after he was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier in the day. With Tyler Anderson having been dealt away to Seattle and Chase De Jong (knee) on the injured list, the Pirates should have room in the rotation for both Kranick and Cody Ponce -- who tossed five scoreless innings in relief in Tuesday's loss -- for the foreseeable future. Over his three prior starts with Pittsburgh this season, Kranick has gone 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA (3.69 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP over 11 innings.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh hasn't announced a starting pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Brewers, but the nod will presumably go to Kranick, who would be stepping into the rotation as a replacement for the injured Chase De Jong (knee). Kranick tossed five scoreless innings in his MLB debut June 27 in St. Louis, but he's struggled over his last two outings with the big club. Between those starts, Kranick has covered six frames while giving up seven runs on 11 hits and four walks.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Kranick started Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, and he allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in three innings. He'll now attempt to right the ship with the Triple-A club. The Pirates haven't yet announced who could fill his place in the starting rotation, but right-hander Luis Oviedo (quadriceps) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Kranick allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three over three innings in a no-decision versus Arizona on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has now made three starts this year, and the last two have been uninspiring. Kranick owns a 5.73 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 11 innings this season, which suggests he'll be little more than a fill-in starter while Chase De Jong (knee) is on the injured list. Kranick lines up for a home start versus Milwaukee next week if he remains in the rotation.

Kranick is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

After being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Kranick wasn't needed out of the bullpen in that night's 11-6 loss, so he'll get the ball for the series finale. Kranick, who owns a 3.38 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across two short starts for Pittsburgh this season, will step into the rotation as a replacement for Chase De Jong (knee), who was placed on the injured list Tuesday.

Kranick was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Kranick was sent back to Triple-A after making a spot start during the July 10 doubleheader against the Mets. The Pirates have not confirmed a starter for Wednesday's series finale, so Kranick could be a logical option to fill that void. The right-hander has a 5.47 ERA across six Triple-A starts but has allowed just three earned runs during his eight big-league innings.

Manager Derek Shelton confirmed that Kranick will return to Triple-A Indianapolis after serving as the club's 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. Kranick took the loss while starting Game 2, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks across three innings. He punched out five.

Kranick will return to Indianapolis for the time being, but it seems possible that he could be back with the big club to make a start soon after the All-Star break. The right-hander will likely make a start at some point with Indianapolis next week before Pittsburgh determines his next steps.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

As expected, Kranick will pitch the nightcap in his second start for the Pirates this season. The first start was fantastic, as he lasted five perfect innings and struck out three before a rain delay ended his afternoon.

Kranick is likely to start the second game of the team's doubleheader Saturday against the Mets, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Kranick was originally slated to start Friday in the same matchup. He has yet to officially be named the starter Saturday, though it is expected he will only have his appearance pushed back one day after Thursday's contest was postponed. Kranick delivered five perfect innings in his major-league debut June 27 against the Cardinals.

Kranick will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Friday against the Mets, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Kranick delivered five scoreless frames in his big-league debut June 27, and he'll receive his second start during the final weekend of the season's first half. The right-hander is expected to remain a member of the rotation during the second half after making a strong impression in his debut.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick tossed five perfect innings in his major-league debut against the Cardinals on Sunday, and general manager Ben Cherington revealed Sunday that the team plans to proceed with a six-man rotation through at least the All-Star break. While the right-hander is a strong candidate to make another start in the near future, he'll head back to the minors after right-hander Cody Ponce was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in the near future.

Kranick is slated to remain part of the Pittsburgh rotation after general manager Ben Cherington revealed Sunday that the Pirates would proceed with a six-man starting staff through at least the All-Star break, Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic reports.

Only a mid-game rain delay could stop Kranick in his MLB debut in Sunday's 7-2 win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old became the first pitcher since 1893 to toss at least five perfect innings in a debut outing, with the right-hander needing just 50 pitches (36 strikes) to record his 15 outs. He'll now get the chance to build on that excellent start, with his next turn most likely coming Saturday in Pittsburgh versus the Brewers.

Kranick (1-0) earned the win in his big-league debut Sunday against the Cardinals after tossing five scoreless innings, striking out three.

Kranick was perfect in his MLB debut, tossing 36 of his 50 pitches for strikes and looking absolutely in control of the mound en route to an excellent performance. It's only one start and it's still way too early to make assumptions, but there's no question this was an excellent outing for the 23-year-old right-hander. He might have done enough to earn at least another start at some point next week, though his immediate future remains unclear.

Kranick will start Sunday against the Cardinals, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Kranick will be making his major-league debut. He's been a starter in all seven of his appearances in the upper minors this season and has struck out 24.7 percent of opposing batters en route to a 4.37 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Kranick was called up by the Pirates on Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Kranick projects as not much more than a backend starter. In seven starts split across the two highest levels of the minors this season, he owns a 4.37 ERA, striking out 24.7 percent of opposing batters while walking 6.2 percent. The Pirates haven't officially named their starter for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, so it's possible he'll get the nod.