Injured players navigate frustration, loneliness during time on the shelf

There’s no shortage of unfortunate health-related situations that can land an MLB player on the injured list.

While the spectrum of ailments that puts players on the mend is vast, those in recovery mode usually share a common perspective gained from being out of the action.

“More than anything, being away from the game makes you miss it that much more,” Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Delay said. “Sometimes you take it for granted.”

Delay saw his 2024 campaign halted after just one game played March 31 because of a knee injury that required surgery in mid-April.

Now on the 60-day injured list, he is preparing to head to Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., where his rehabilitation will intensify as he works toward a return.

When reliever Ryan Borucki’s season was put on hold in early April because of left triceps inflammation, it was the latest injury for the 30-yearold. Borucki, who spent parts of five seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays and one with the Seattle Mariners before joining Pittsburgh last summer, has endured stints on the injured list at every destination.

Surgery doesn’t appear to be required for Borucki, Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said, but he is not yet cleared to throw a baseball.

“When you get off the injured list, you definitely are grateful for the healthy days a lot more,” Borucki said. “It sucks just sitting here and watching guys go out and pitch and wanting to be out there in these crucial situations. But right now, it is what it is. I don’t like being on the injured list. I’ve been on it a lot of my career unfortunately. Just trying to get off it as quick as I can but be as smart as I can with it.”

Starter Marco Gonzales, 32, is in the same boat with a left forearm strain and is not cleared to throw.

Avoiding surgery seems like a blessing, considering last season ended prematurely for him because of a left forearm strain that did require a procedure.

“I love to pitch, so it’s not the most enjoyable process because that’s taken away from you,” Gonzales said. “I think trying to find a healthy outlet during this time is pretty crucial. It’s a frustrating time, it’s a trying time, so channeling that into treatment and workouts, things you can control, definitely helps. Just try to stay sane.”

Of the aforementioned three, Delay is the closest to returning. Tomczyk said the Pirates hope Borucki and Gonzales will be able to pitch again before the end of this season.

Delay admitted his stint on the injured list, which has kept him in Pittsburgh to focus on rehab as opposed to traveling with the team, has been lonely at times.

But he found solace in bonding with pitcher Johan Oviedo and catcher Endy Rodriguez, both of whom underwent Tommy John surgery in the offseason and are out for all of 2024.

The three found themselves on similar treatment schedules at PNC Park during road trips, allowing them to become closer friends.

Another blessing and curse that comes with being on the injured list is down time.

Delay has used some of his free time to take stock of his surroundings.

“It’s odd because I’ve kind of gotten to like explore Pittsburgh for the first time,” he said. “Obviously, I’m usually busy, but I have gotten to see a little more stuff. My girlfriend was here (in early May), so we did some exploring of Sewickley, saw Pittsburgh, mostly restaurants.”

Borucki has utilized his increased free time at home.

“I haven’t done too much,” Borucki said. “I’ve been able to hang out with my wife a little bit more than I usually do, especially those times when (the team is) on the road, you’re at home a lot more.”

As for Gonzales, he’s itching to get back at it.

Staying disciplined mentally and tackling his recuperation one day at a time remain primary objectives.

“I’m really focusing every bit of energy into rehab,” Gonzales said. “I’ve unfortunately been injured in the past, so I’ve had plenty of practice at keeping your mind busy and trying to learn things about the game. Right now, my focus is every bit of energy going into recovery.”