Horwitz is likely going to need a couple weeks of rehab games to get back up to speed before making his season debut. The 27-year-old will take over as Pittsburgh’s starting first baseman once he’s ready to roll. He’s been out since early February recovering from right wrist surgery.

This move is procedural since Horwitz has been out for weeks already. The 27-year-old was originally set to miss six to eight weeks and he has already been out for six. The Pirates have been quiet about his progress, but its possible that Horwitz may be headed to a rehab assignment soon.

Horwitz, who underwent surgery two weeks ago, is staying in shape by swinging a bat with his left hand and fielding grounders without making throws. He’s hoping to be ready for Opening Day, but we’re still a ways off from knowing if that’s realistic.

Horwitz was trending towards being a popular late-round sleeper candidate for fantasy managers following an offseason trade to the Pirates where he projects to serve as their starting first baseman. The 27-year-old batted .265/.357/.433 with 12 homers in 381 plate appearances last year for the Blue Jays in his first extended opportunity in the majors. There should be some clarity on his Opening Day status and the exact nature of the injury from the Pirates in the coming days, but Destin and Hiles add that Horwitz will miss time this spring.