The Pirates don't believe Chris Duffy's promising rookie season is over, but it was acknowledged as a possibility after the 25-year-old center fielder was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained left hamstring.
A magnetic resonance imaging test taken Saturday revealed a tear in Duffy's hamstring. Manager Lloyd McClendon described the tear as "slight," but Duffy was told it was "significant."
Duffy also was told he had some internal bleeding in the hamstring that was causing his leg to go numb.
The Pirates can't activate Duffy from the disabled list until Sept. 10, but if the injury is severe, he might not be ready to play the final three weeks of the season.
"I think he'll be back," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "But you always have to keep in mind that these things can be hard to say for sure. They can linger."
If Duffy doesn't get back on the field this season, his next activity will occur in the off-season when he plays for Mazatlan in the Mexican Winter League.
Craig Wilson was recalled from his injury rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Duffy on the roster.
Duffy missed six starts earlier in the month with a left hamstring strain, but the injuries apparently are unrelated. This problem is located on a lower part of Duffy's hamstring.
"I really thought this one was easier than the other," Duffy said.
Duffy noticed the hamstring was bothering him Thursday night. When his leg went numb, Duffy had the MRI taken.
Duffy is the third significant Pirates player to be placed on the disabled list this week. Second baseman Jose Castillo was lost for the season Monday when he had a ligament torn in his left knee. Pitcher Zach Duke was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a left ankle sprain.
In 39 games with the Pirates, Duffy batted .341 with one homer and nine RBI. He also had a .385 on-base percentage while primarily batting out of the leadoff spot, and just as important, he showed superb range in center field.
"He stabilized things defensively in center field and did a hell of a job leading off," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "Those were two less things we had to worry about. Every team is looking for a left-handed hitting center fielder who can lead off and play defense. He certainly answered that question."
McClendon said Rob Mackowiak would get the bulk of the playing time in center while Duffy is out.
The transaction is a reversal of the move that occurred July 17 when Duffy replaced Wilson on the active roster. Wilson was injured when he was hit on the hand by a pitch. After missing six weeks, Wilson began an injury rehab assignment with Indianapolis on Friday and went 1 for 4 with two walks and three RBI in two games.
