Pittsburgh Pirates Receive Good Health Update on Star Bryan Reynolds

The Pittsburgh Pirates, who have fallen to 5.0 games back in the National League Central, got some good health news on Wednesday regarding start outfield Bryan Reynolds.

He could return to the lineup as early as Friday as he battles back from back issues.

The following update comes for the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Reynolds (back) said he's aiming to be activated from the injured list Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

ANALYSIS
That is the first day that Reynolds is eligible to be brought off the 10-day IL. Nearing the end of his recovery from a bout of lower back inflammation, he swung the bat Tuesday without issue and is going to throw on the field Wednesday. The 28-year-old outfielder should be ready to rock for Pirates ahead of their weekend series against the Brewers

That would certainly be good news for the light-hitting Pirates, who need all the help they can get if they want to stay in the National League playoff race.

Reynolds is slashing .279/.350/.473 through 294 plate appearances this season and has eight homers, 40 RBI and eight stolen bases. He's got an .823 OPS also.

The 28-year-old is a critical part of what the Pirates do and is certainly a possibility to represent the organization in the All-Star Game next month in Seattle.

He inked a brand new contract extension earlier this season as well.

The Pirates are 36-42 and will take on the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night at PNC Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.