Johan Oviedo

Johan Oviedo (lat/elbow) will consult with surgeon Dr. Keith Meister in about four weeks to map out his throwing timeline, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Oviedo, 27, hit a bump with a right lat strain during live BP last week—more worrisome than his right elbow, fixed by Tommy John surgery in December 2023—and the Pirates want Dr. Meister’s input by late March or early April. He’s on the 60-day IL, out until at least late May, though a minor league rehab stint could come sooner if he’s cleared. Fantasy managers can stash him in deep leagues for a midseason lift, but he’s off the early radar.

The Pirates placed Johan Oviedo on the 60-day injured list.

Fantasy Impact

Oviedo is dealing with a right lat issue that came as a setback as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He'll open the season in Triple-A when he fully recovers.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Johan Oviedo (elbow) is in the "live bullpen" phase of his throwing program and has been cleared to use his full pitch mix, per Noah Hiles of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Oviedo underwent Tommy John surgery in December 2023 and missed the entire 2024 season but remains on track to return early in 2025.

Fantasy Impact

While Oviedo is progressing well, he has yet to be cleared to face hitters, making it unlikely he will pitch in early Grapefruit League games. A brief stint on the injured list to begin the season appears possible as he continues ramping up. When healthy, Oviedo has shown durability, starting 32 games in 2023 while posting a 4.31 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 177.2 innings. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should monitor his timeline, as he could provide rotation depth later in the season.

Pirates righty-hander Johan Oviedo is expected to be a full go in spring training and ready for Opening Day after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Fantasy Impact

The TJ surgery cost Oviedo the 2024 season but he intends to compete for a rotation spot this spring. The 26-year-old worked to a 4.31 ERA while taking the ball 32 times for the Pirates in the 2023 campaign.

The Pirates won an arbitration case against Johan Oviedo and will pay him $850,000.

Fantasy Impact

Ovideo was bidding to make $1.15 million. He is expected to return by the middle of the season as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery.