The second opinion on Chad Kuhl’s forearm strain was similar to the first. And the result is that the Pirates’ starter will be shut down for about another month.

Kuhl returned from a consultation with Dr. David Altchek of Hospital for Special Surgery in New York .

“He confirmed with our physician’s assessment that conservative management is the route to go at this point,” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said. “Conservative management would mean four weeks of not throwing, and then we’ll resume a flat-ground program and build him up as indicated.”

Kuhl has been on the disabled list since June 29 after being lifted from a start two days prior because of forearm discomfort. Tomczyk, who includes “elbow” in the area that’s bothering Kuhl, said he’s optimistic Kuhl won’t require surgery after the down time.

“At the end of this four weeks we will assess the throw and then most likely begin a throwing program and go from there,” Tomczyk said.

Kuhl has been durable since his MLB debut, making 61 starts in the span of almost exact two years between June 26, 2016 and June 27, 2018 – more than any other Pirates pitcher in that time. He is 5-5 with a 4.55 ERA this season.

Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris at cadamski@tribweb.com or via Twitter @C_AdamskiTrib.

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