Jul 7, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) runs to third on a double hit by designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach (not pictured) in the first inning against against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Pirates CF Bryan Reynolds expects to return from IL Monday or Tuesday against Cubs

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/24/22

The Pittsburgh Pirates currently sit in third place in the NL Central, a full 13.0 games out of first place and 10.5 games back of the third and final NL wildcard spot.

While the Pirates find themselves 16 games under .500 after the All-Star break, they may soon get a boost with the return of starting centerfielder Bryan Reynolds. The 27-year-old has been on the injured list since July 11 with a right oblique strain.

On Sunday, Reynolds told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Gazette that he plans to return during the Pirates' upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs, either on Monday or Tuesday.

Bryan Reynolds told me he expects to return for the Cubs series. “That’s the goal,” Reynolds said. Side had been bothering him for a few series. Tried to play through it. But … “just got to the point where I figured I better say something,” he added.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 24, 2022

In his fourth major league season, Reynolds is batting .261/.343/.465 with 15 home runs and 32 RBI in 83 games for the Pirates.

Originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2016, the Pirates acquired Reynolds as part of a trade package for former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen in 2018. Reynolds made his major league debut the following season.

Reynolds was an All-Star in 2021, finishing the season slashing .302/.390/.522 with 24 home runs and 90 RBI through 159 games.

While his return to the Pirates lineup may spark trade whispers, the team has reportedly "rebuffed" any offers for Reynolds and are unlikely to deal the centerfielder.

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