BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Pirates’ newly acquired first baseman, Spencer Horwitz, will likely be sidelined for the majority of spring training following a surgical procedure on his right wrist.

Horwitz, who joined the Pirates through a trade with the Cleveland Guardians in December, faces a recovery period of at least 6 to 8 weeks. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington mentioned that the organization is not establishing a definite timeline for his return at this moment.

In the 2023 season, the 27-year-old Horwitz played in 97 games for the Toronto Blue Jays, where he recorded a batting average of .265 along with 12 home runs and 40 runs batted in. Toronto traded him to Cleveland in December, and shortly thereafter, the Guardians moved him to Pittsburgh in exchange for pitcher Luis Ortiz and two prospects.

Horwitz’s wrist issues were described as “chronic” by the Pirates, who were aware of the persistent problem when they acquired him. However, Cherington noted that the player began to encounter “new symptoms” at the end of January, prompting the decision to proceed with surgery.

In Horwitz’s absence, the Pirates have several internal candidates to take over at first base. Utility infielder Jared Triolo and Darick Hall, who has alternatingly played first base and designated hitter with the Philadelphia Phillies during the previous two seasons, are both potential options. Hall notably hit 16 home runs while playing in Triple-A last season.

Though Bryan Reynolds was seen taking ground balls at first base during late-season practice in 2024, Cherington clarified that the team’s priority is to keep him in the outfield. Endy Rodriguez, who has not appeared in the majors since having elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, is expected to stay at the catching position for the time being.