Pirates' Johan Oviedo Expected to Return from Two-Year Injury Absence

Johan Oviedo is set to make his 2025 season debut on Monday as a starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the San Francisco Giants. Oviedo, 27, missed the entire 2024 season and the majority of 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in December 2023, and has also dealt with a lat injury this year. After completing six rehab starts, including a recent outing with Triple-A Indianapolis where he struck out five batters over five innings, he is expected to face workload restrictions in his first major league game back. Oviedo will fill the rotation spot vacated by Bailey Falter, who was traded to the Kansas City Royals. In 2023, Oviedo posted a 9-14 record with a 4.31 ERA over 32 starts, demonstrating his potential value to the Pirates' pitching staff. The Pirates are hopeful that Oviedo's return will bolster their rotation as they continue their series against the Giants.