Pirates’ Nava has back ksurgery
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Pirates outfielder Daniel Nava will be out 10 to 12 weeks after undergoing back surgery Tuesday, director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said.
MLB.com reported the procedure was a microdiscectomy performed by Dr. Christopher Yeung. Nava saw the Pirates’ team doctors, including medical director Dr. Patrick DeMeo, before receiving a second opinion from Dr. Yeung in Arizona and deciding to have surgery.
“I think that is some closure for him,” said manager Clint Hurdle told MLB.com. “Now, he’ll go about the resting period and walk into the rehab period.”
Nava, 35, was held out of the Pirates’ workout on Feb. 22 with what was described as “low back discomfort.” The veteran switch-hitter was hoping to secure a spot on the Bucs’ Opening Day bench after signing a Minor League contract Feb. 9.
The Pirates outfield seems set with Corey Dickerson in left, Starling Marte in center and Gregory Polanco in right. Nava was hoping to be the fourth outfielder.
Sean Rodriguez and Adam Frazier also can play the outfield.
Meanwhile, right-hander Chad Kuhl pitched two shutout innings in a 4-3 loss to Boston.