Nick Burdi

The hope is that the PRP treatment will allow Burdi to avoid a surgical procedure on his strained right forearm. He was placed on the 45-day injured list on August 5 and is done for the rest of the season either way.

The team hasn't provided any other details, but the injury would appear to be serious since they're already putting him on the 45-day IL. Burdi had Tommy John surgery back in 2017 and missed most of last season following surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome. He had been the top option to close lately for the Pirates, at least until Keone Kela (COVID-19) returns.

The lone out was hit pretty well, too. Burdi is the favorite for saves in the Pirates pen right now, but from an ERA/WHIP standpoint, he's not such a great bet.

Kyle Crick blew his chance on Monday night and landed on the IL on Tuesday afternoon, so it's Burdi who gets the first save of the year for the Pirates. Burdi was making his second appearance after striking out all three batters he faced his first time out Sunday against the Cardinals. He should be considered the favorite for saves in the Pirates bullpen at the moment, though we still wouldn't be especially eager to use him in a mixed league. Keone Kela (COVID-19) might be back in the role in a couple of weeks.