MILWAUKEE _ Catcher Francisco Cervelli was placed on the seven-day concussion list for the second time this month after continuing to experience "post-concussion" and "post-viral" symptoms, Pirates head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said Thursday. Cervelli returned to Pittsburgh to be examined by doctors, including a concussion specialist.'
Cervelli sustained the concussion, his only documented head injury this year, June 6 when a foul ball struck his mask. Three days earlier, he told reporters he'd had sinus issues for roughly a week which caused fatigue and headaches. It is unclear whether the sinus issues have persisted. The Pirates chalked up Cervelli's late scratch Wednesday to "flu-like symptoms."
Tomczyk reiterated the uncertainty with head injuries, especially concussions in sports.
"There's a lot of contributory factors with concussions," Tomczyk said. "Dizziness, fogginess, those are all symptoms that are real, symptoms that our doctors are examining and will monitor with any athlete that has a head injury. ...
"Francisco wants to play. He's a competitor. I think that gets lost in this whole injury situation. We all felt it was in his best interest, both short-and long-term, not to allow him to play, and make sure his overall well-being is our first and utmost concern."
Manager Clint Hurdle said Cervelli has handled the situation "very well."
"He's had a lot of levels of toughness built in over time," Hurdle said. "Nobody raises their hand to get in the front of the line for adversity. However, it's going to come. You're going to have it. Personally. Professionally. Physically. ... He's got another challenge to meet now. I think he'll meet it."
The Pirates continue to carry three catchers, as Jacob Stallings was recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis to take Cervelli's place on the roster. Hurdle, who has said he does not intend to roster three catchers for much longer, said he expects to use catchers Elias Diaz and Chris Stewart frequently so "I don't think it's important to designate a starter."
Stewart returned from the 10-day disabled list Sunday and started Wednesday, going 0 for 3. Hurdle said he was pleased with Stewart's mobility in his first start since May 29.
"I think he met all the criteria we were looking for," Hurdle said.
Hurdle insisted Stallings' promotion is not an indication the Pirates are concerned about Stewart's ability to handle a regular workload. Rather, Diaz is the best right-handed bat available off the bench during games he does not start, and having Stallings on the roster frees Hurdle to use Diaz as a pinch-hitter late in games and not risk running out of catchers.
