John

Van Benschoten

Lucky him. Just yesterday it looked like he would have to make his debut Friday against the Cardinals, and there couldn’t be too more opposite offenses to face right now. VanBenschoten is one of Pittsburgh’s top prospects, but he’s struggled a bit at Triple-A Nashville this season, going 4-10 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. He’s probably not going to have any fantasy value until next year.

The Pirates are now admitting they knew about the tear after last season. They hoped rest would take care of the problem, but it didn’t. Van Benschoten’s injury won’t lead to a switch back to the outfield, the Pirates said. With Van Benschoten out of the way, Zach Duke is more likely to play a role this season, assuming he isn’t the next in a long line of Pirates pitching prospects to go down with arm problems.

He wound up with a no-decision, allowing seven hits, no walks and striking out four. Asked if Van Benschoten could pitch his way to the majors this season, manager Lloyd McClendon said, “I’d think he’d have a chance. Anything’s possible.”

Van Benschoten is 0-4 with an 8.74 ERA in his first season at Nashville. Minor-league director Brian Graham said, ''There’s no concern about his stuff. He gets ahead of hitters and then makes a bad pitch and gets hit. It’s a learning process.’' In fact, the good news is the Pirates won’t be tempted to rush one of their top prospects.

It is supposed to be a temporary condition that should not affect his next start. After a rough beginning in Triple-A, Van Benschoten is turning it around.

He had four strikeouts and four walks, and fell to 0-6.

John VanBenschoten and Nelson Figueroa, each of Triple-A Nashville, are the possibilities. Given the opponent, stay away from Pirate pitchers for that series.

Van Benschoten is still several weeks away from returning. He will likely continue to throw simulated games this week and could leave for a lengthy minor league rehab assignment by mid-August.

Van Benschoten will make his next rehab appearance on Monday for Double-A Altoona. He is trying to comeback from three shoulder surgeries. The Pirates likely will wait until spring training to give him a shot to make the major league roster.

Van Benschoten, who is attempting to come back from shoulder surgery, gave up just one hit in his first rehab start. He isn’t expected to be added to the Pirates’ roster until September callups at the earliest, and it’s more likely that he won’t return at all this year.