The Pittsburgh Pirates are moving closer to regaining two veteran presence in their lineup as outfielder Jake Mangum and relief pitcher Chris Devenski have both resumed baseball activities. The updates come via Todd Tomczyk, the team’s senior director of sports medicine, who indicated that both players are trending toward a return to active duty after missing the previous week of competition.
The losses had left the Pirates navigating a tricky stretch of the schedule without a key versatile bat and a seasoned arm in the bullpen. While the timelines for their returns differ, the simultaneous progress of both players provides a timely boost to a roster that has had to shuffle personnel to cover the gaps.
Mangum, who provides the team with significant flexibility across the outfield, was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactively on May 6 due to a left hamstring strain. Devenski, a right-handed reliever, landed on the 15-day injured list on May 7 while dealing with an undisclosed illness. Both players have now progressed to a stage where they can reintegrate into standard team drills.
Mangum’s Path Back to the Outfield
Before his injury, Jake Mangum had established himself as a durable and adaptable asset for the Pirates. Appearing in 28 of the team’s first 34 games, Mangum had logged 22 contests in left field, four starts in right, and two in center. His ability to slide between positions has been a primary tool for the coaching staff in managing daily lineups.
The injury occurred just as Mangum was slated to start in center field during the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 7. He was scratched from the lineup immediately before the first pitch, forcing the Pirates to pivot their strategy on short notice.
According to Tomczyk, Mangum’s recovery is progressing steadily. “He has resumed all baseball activities, responded well to the initial stress from the performance team — we anticipate him ramping up the intensity and volume of his running activities in the coming days so they can have a conversation with Donnie and Ben and team about what the next steps are,” Tomczyk said. “But Jake is headed in the right direction.”
The Pirates’ management views Mangum as more than just a defensive replacement; his ability to get on base and create pressure for opposing pitchers makes him a catalyst for the offense. His return will allow the team to move away from the temporary stop-gap measures utilized over the last week.
Managing the Gap: Roster Adjustments
To compensate for Mangum’s absence, the Pirates relied on a combination of utility players and depth pieces. Utility man Nick Yorke was called up to fill the void, starting in left field during the series finale against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 10. Billy Cook stepped into the starting right field spot for the series opener against the Giants on May 8.
While these adjustments kept the team functional, the loss of Mangum’s specific skill set—particularly his baserunning aggression—was evident. The reintegration of Mangum will likely see the team return to a more stable outfield rotation, reducing the need for frequent utility substitutions.
Devenski’s Recovery and Bullpen Status
The road back for Chris Devenski is slightly more complex than Mangum’s. Devenski joined the organization this offseason on a minor league contract and entered Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. After beginning the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, he was added to the 40-man and subsequently the 26-man roster on April 29 to provide much-needed depth to the relief corps.
His initial stint with the big league club was fraught with difficulty. Over three outings, Devenski surrendered two earned runs across 2.1 innings of work. His tenure was further complicated when he was ejected for throwing at Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart, resulting in a two-game suspension from Major League Baseball. Immediately following the completion of his suspension, Devenski was placed on the 15-day injured list.
While the nature of Devenski’s illness remains undisclosed, Tomczyk confirmed that the pitcher is making positive strides. “He’s resumed all baseball activities,” Tomczyk said. “He’s playing catch. He threw a bullpen yesterday. We’re monitoring how he’s recovering out of that.”
Unlike Mangum, who is largely under the supervision of the team’s performance staff, Devenski continues to be monitored by local physicians in Pittsburgh. He has several medical appointments scheduled through early next week to ensure he is fully recovered before returning to game action.
Injury Status Summary
| Player | Injury/Issue | IL Status | Current Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Mangum | Left Hamstring Strain | 10-Day IL | Ramping up running volume |
| Chris Devenski | Undisclosed Illness | 15-Day IL | Bullpen sessions/Medical clearance |
The return of these two players represents a critical juncture for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they seek to stabilize their roster. For Devenski, the return will be an opportunity to reset his season after a tumultuous start. For Mangum, it is a matter of regaining the explosive speed that defines his game.
Disclaimer: This report contains medical updates provided by team officials and is intended for informational purposes only.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the duo will be Devenski’s medical evaluations early next week and Mangum’s subsequent coordination with managers Donnie and Ben regarding his return to the active roster. We will provide updates as these conversations conclude.
Do you think the Pirates’ bullpen can sustain its current form until Devenski returns? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this story with fellow fans.
Related reading
