In Pittsburgh, the anticipation is palpable as the Pirates’ bullpen looks to get a much-needed boost with the ongoing recovery of two key relief pitchers, Tim Mayza and Justin Lawrence. Injuries have kept these pivotal players away from the mound, but the latest updates provide a glimmer of hope for their return.
Todd Tomczyk, the Pirates’ senior director of sports medicine, recently gave fans an encouraging update. He announced that both Mayza and Lawrence are on the cusp of resuming throwing sessions, marking a significant step in their respective comebacks. It looks like they will be doing so under a similar timeline, even if their injuries differ.
Mayza’s journey back has been particularly challenging. Originally placed on the 15-day Injured List on April 19 and moved to the 60-day list just a week later, Mayza has dealt with a pair of troublesome shoulder injuries. His left latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles have been the culprits, making the act of throwing a baseball nearly impossible. The Pirates medical team wisely decided to put him on a strict no-throw policy, which lasted until early June.
Lawrence, meanwhile, has been dealing with inflammation in his right elbow. Initially sidelined on a 15-day Injured List retroactive to April 23, he too found himself on the 60-day list by early May.
Tomczyk laid out the path forward for both pitchers, explaining the general rule of two weeks of rehab for every week missed due to inactivity. Given their timelines, Mayza and Lawrence could be looking at a late-season return, just in time to potentially fortify the Pirates’ bullpen during the stretch run.
This season, Mayza made an impression with seven solid appearances, posting a respectable 2.89 ERA across 9.1 innings, striking out eight while maintaining a sharp .243 opponent batting average. He joined the Pirates on a minor league deal this January and quickly earned a spot on the opening day roster thanks to strong performances in Spring Training, having previously spent time with the Yankees and Blue Jays.
Lawrence, claimed off waivers from the Rockies in March, has shined in 2025 with a remarkable 0.79 ERA over 11 relief outings. His ability to stifle hitters—allowing just five hits across 11.1 innings—paired with 15 strikeouts, underscores his impact in the bullpen.
As the Pirates await their return, the current bullpen configuration consists of a mix of lefty pitchers Ryan Borucki and Caleb Ferguson, alongside right-handers like Braxton Ashcraft and all-star closer David Bednar, among others. The imminent return of Mayza and Lawrence adds layers of depth and experience to this crew, a prospect that no doubt has fans and teammates eager to witness their comeback on the field.
