Ohlendorf throws four scoreless in rehab outing

Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com

Ross Ohlendorf pitched four shutout innings for Double-A Altoona on Wednesday night in what could be the right-hander’s final tune-up before rejoining the Pirates’ rotation.

Ohlendorf, who has been sidelined with back spasms since his April 7 start, threw 59 pitches (41 strikes) in the outing. He gave up three hits, one walk and struck out six. Wednesday’s outing marked Ohlendorf’s second Minor League rehab start. His first came in extended Spring Training last Friday.

The Pirates haven’t officially announced what’s next for Ohlendorf, but management was optimistic that, if all went well on Wednesday, Ohlendorf would be ready to come off the disabled list. If that’s the case, he would make his return start next Monday when the Pirates open up a three-game series against the Reds.

“We’ll see how he pitches,” manager John Russell said before Ohlendorf’s appearance. “I know he feels pretty good. If it goes well, I don’t see any reason why he can’t make the start on the 10th.”

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