APRIL 3, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
JT Brubaker 'honored' to start for Pirates on opening day in St. Louis JT Brubaker said he’s “honored” to start for the Pirates for opening day on Thursday in St. Louis, his first such assignment.
Nabs Opening Day assignment Manager Derek Shelton said Sunday that Brubaker will start the Pirates' season opener April 7 in St. Louis, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
Impact Scheduling more than anything may have factored into Brubaker getting the Opening Day nod, as Jose Quintana is the most accomplished starter on the roster, while Mitch Keller (0.93 ERA in 9.2 innings) has been the staff's top performer this spring. Brubaker has been serviceable in his own right through three Grapefruit League outings, and that coupled with his experience as a full-time member of the rotation when healthy a season ago was enough for him to earn the Opening Day assignment. Brubaker turned in a respectable 4.47 ERA and 88:19 K:BB in 88.2 first-half innings in 2021, but things fell apart following the All-Star break. Over his 35.2 innings after the break, Brubaker pitched to a 7.57 ERA and 1.65 WHIP while noticing huge spikes in his walk (11.4 percent) and home-run (2.52 HR/9) rates in comparison to the first half (1.83 and 5.4%, respectively).
APRIL 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Increases throwing distance Brubaker (shoulder) won't return prior to the end of the regular season, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Impact Brubaker will increase his throwing distance by playing catch off flat ground from 120 feet in the coming days, and he'll use all of his pitches during the throwing session. Although the right-hander is making progress and should have a relatively normal offseason, he won't have enough time to return by the end of the regular season. Brubaker made a career-high 24 major-league starts this year and posted a 5.36 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 124.1 innings.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Throwing off flat ground Brubaker (shoulder) recently threw off flat ground from 90 feet, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact Brubaker began a plyometric training program last week, and he's now in the midst of a throwing program. Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk isn't sure whether the right-hander will have enough time to return during the regular season, but a better idea of his status should be revealed based on when he resumes mound work.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Late-season return not ruled out Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Brubaker (shoulder) began a plyometric training program Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. He'll be rea...
Impact Even though Brubaker hasn't resumed throwing since being shut down a week ago, the Pirates aren't yet closing the door on the right-hander making it back from the 10-day injured list before the end of the season. However, with just two and a half weeks to go, Brubaker doesn't appear to have enough time to build back up for starting duty, even if he avoids any further setbacks in his recovery.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Facing brief shutdown Brubaker (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing for the next 5-to-7 days, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Impact Brubaker landed on the injured list Sunday with right shoulder inflammation and will shutdown for a brief period before potential moving into his rehab. The 27-year-old won't be ready to return from the injured list when first eligible Sept. 15, and there's a very real chance he won't return this year given there will be at most three weeks left in the season once he resumes throwing.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Returns to injured list Brubaker was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with right shoulder inflammation, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.
Impact Brubaker returned from the injured list Saturday after dealing with a thumb injury, but he was pulled from his start after three innings due to the shoulder issue. The 27-year-old will be eligible to return Sept. 15, though it's unknown how long he's expected to be sidelined.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Rob Biertempfel: Pirates roster moves: - RHP JT Brubaker goes... - The Athletic Pirates roster moves: - RHP JT Brubaker goes on 10-day injured list w/right shoulder inflammation - RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (RHP) goes on 10...
SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Dealing with shoulder injury Brubaker was diagnosed with right shoulder discomfort after he left Saturday's game against the Cubs, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Impact Brubaker returned from the injured list Saturday after me missed time with a thumb injury, and it's not yet clear whether his shoulder issue will force him to miss additional time. He gave up three runs in three innings prior to his departure and will presumably be monitored in the coming days.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Leaves with apparent injury Brubaker left Saturday's game against the Cubs in the fourth inning with an apparent injury, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact This is a tough break for Brubaker, who was just making his return from a stint on the IL with a thumb issue. It's not clear whether this is related to the thumb or a new injury entirely. Brubaker cruised through his first three innings Saturday before allowing the first two batters to reach in the fourth and also uncorking a wild pitch.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Starting Saturday against Cubs Brubaker (thumb) will be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Saturday's game against the Cubs, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Impact A right thumb contusion forced Brubaker to the IL on Aug. 25. He will return to action having bypassed a rehab assignment, with the Pirates evidently seeing enough during Brubaker's Sept. 1 side session. Pittsburgh still needs to make a move to clear a roster spot for Brubaker, who sits with a 5.27 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 124:36 K:BB so far this season.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Throws side session Brubaker (thumb) completed a side session Wednesday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Impact Brubaker landed on the shelf with a bruised right thumb last week, but he may not remained sidelined for long since he didn't face a significant shutdown. The 27-year-old could rejoin the rotation within the next week if he continues to ramp up with no issues.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Bryse Wilson to start against Diamondbacks; JT Brubaker to IL Bryse Wilson returned Wednesday and will start against Arizona, while JT Brubaker is on the injured list with a right thumb contusion.
AUGUST 25, 2021 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
Sidelined with thumb contusion The Pirates placed Brubaker on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a right thumb contusion, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact Pittsburgh reinstated Bryse Wilson (arm) from the IL in a corresponding move, and he'll immediately join the rotation as a replacement for Brubaker to start Wednesday's series finale versus Arizona. Brubaker's injury isn't believed to be serious and shouldn't keep him out much longer that the minimum amount of time. The right-hander could probably benefit from a brief hiatus, given that he's posted a 7.88 ERA and 1.62 WHIP while allowing 10 home runs in 32.2 innings over his seven starts since the All-Star break.
AUGUST 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Earns first win since May Brubaker (5-13) blanked the Diamondbacks through five innings Tuesday, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out six.
Impact He struggled again with his efficiency, compiling 86 pitches (54 for strikes). The righty went to his slider (40.7 percent) more frequently than on average (34 percent), collecting his highest swinging-strikes total (14) since May. Considering his injury history and increase in year-over innings pitched -- he's totaled 121.1 IP after throwing 47.1 IP in 2020 -- it wouldn't be surprising to see the Pirates shut him down prior to season's end.
AUGUST 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Brubaker ends lengthy losing streak, Pirates edge D'backs
JT Brubaker pitched five scoreless innings for his first win in nearly three months, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2AUGUST 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lit up by Dodgers Brubaker dropped to 4-13 after giving up seven runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings in Wednesday's 9-0 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out six before being pulled afte...
Impact Brubaker put Pittsburgh in an early hole when he allowed a leadoff single to AJ Pollock and then a home run to No. 2 hitter Max Muncy, and things didn't improve much from there for the 27-year-old righty. He yielded two more home runs on the night before departing, and he's now served up multiple jacks in seven of his last nine starts. During that stretch, Brubaker has gone 0-7 with a 8.26 ERA and 1.52 WHIP.
AUGUST 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
JT Brubaker's struggles continue, as Dodgers home four times, sweep Pirates JT Brubaker’s struggles continued, as the Pirates suffered a 16th consecutive loss to the Dodgers, this one a 9-0 blowout.
AUGUST 19, 2021 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
Gives up five runs Brubaker (4-12) allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings to take the loss against the Cardinals on Thursday.
Impact Brubaker was hit hard by the Reds in his last outing when he gave up nine runs (eight earned) in five innings, and his struggles continued Thursday. The right-hander hasn't been able to get things going across the last two months, as he's been charged with losses in seven of his last 10 starts. During that time, he's posted a 6.47 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 57 innings. Brubaker tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against the Dodgers on Tuesday.
AUGUST 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Brubaker expected to start for the Pirates against the Cardinals
The Pirates will send JT Brubaker to the mound Thursday and the Cardinals will give Wade LeBlanc the startAUGUST 12, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Routed by Reds Brubaker (4-11) took the loss Friday, coughing up nine runs (eight earned) on seven hits and four walks over five innings as the Pirates were routed 10-0 by the Reds. He struck out...
Impact The right-hander had no margin for error on another quiet night for the Bucs' offense, but Brubaker removed any suspense from the game by surrendering seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. He's been tagged for at least five runs in three of six starts since the beginning of July while serving up 10 homers in only 29.2 innings over that stretch, and his 7.89 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in that time should have him far away from most active fantasy rosters.
AUGUST 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
JT Brubaker, Pirates blitzed during another lopsided loss in Cincinnati CINCINNATI — JT Brubaker has been one of the Pirates’ more consistent starting pitchers this season, blossoming into someone they could pote...
AUGUST 7, 2021 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
JT Brubaker, Pirates blitzed during another lopsided loss in Cincinnati CINCINNATI — JT Brubaker has been one of the Pirates’ more consistent starting pitchers this season, blossoming into someone they could pote...
AUGUST 7, 2021 • CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM
Rob Biertempfel: Pirates @ Reds scheduled pitchers: - Today -... - The Athletic Pirates @ Reds scheduled pitchers: - Today - RHP Wil Crowe (3-5, 5.40) vs. RHP Sonny Gray (3-6, 4.26) - Friday - RHP JT Brubaker (4-10, 4.49...
AUGUST 5, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Tosses quality start Brubaker allowed one run on three hits and a pair of walks while striking out four over six innings Saturday against the Phillies. He did not factor into the decision.
Impact Brubaker held the Phillies to an Aaron Nola sacrifice fly in the fifth inning and exited the game with a 2-1 lead, but Philadelphia tied the game in the eighth to extend Brubaker's skid to nine consecutive starts without a victory. On the bright side, Saturday's performance was Brubaker's first quality start in five July outings. He's 4-10 in 19 starts overall this season, logging a 4.49 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with a 103:25 K:BB in 102.1 innings.
AUGUST 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
