Injury Update: March 14, 2013 - Garrett Jones, Jeff Karstens - KHarmo88's Dynasty

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Injury Update: March 14, 2013 - Garrett Jones, Jeff Karstens

Posted on March 14, 2013 at 09:45 PM.

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Jones Returning to Lineup for Friday's Game

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Garrett Jones will be back on the field for the Pirates on Friday.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said after Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Phillies that Jones will play five innings at first base and get two or three at-bats Friday, when Pittsburgh travels to face Houston at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Fla. Jones has been sidelined since March 6 due to tightness on his left side.

Jones was scheduled to take live batting practice back at the Pirates' Spring Training complex on Thursday.

"Jones had a good day today," Hurdle said.

The first baseman went 3-for-14 in six Grapefruit League games before the injury. He posted a .274/.317/.516 batting line with 27 homers and 86 RBIs in 145 games last season.

Karstens May Make Grapefruit Debut Monday

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Jeff Karstens saw his first game action of the spring Wednesday in a Minor League game against Phillies Triple-A players, and he might make his Grapefruit League debut as soon as Monday.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Karstens, who had been working his way back from biceps tendinitis, will definitely pitch two innings Monday, but it remains to be seen whether that will be in another Minor League outing or against the Red Sox at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla.

In fact, Hurdle said the Pirates are keeping both slots open until they make a decision.

"It's going to be one or the other," Hurdle said Thursday at Bright House Field.

Karstens is scheduled to throw a side session in the bullpen Saturday. He tossed two innings Wednesday on just 26 pitches, 15 of them for strikes. The Pirates don't need a fifth starter for another 25 days, and Hurdle said Wednesday that the club believes Karstens will be a part of its Opening Day rotation.