“Keep moving forward”- Pirates’ Hunter Stratton opens up about his comeback post-injuries

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 1, 2025, 09:38 IST

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Hunter Stratton of the Pittsburgh Pirates is navigating a challenging return after a serious knee injury sidelined him for eight months. Despite feeling rushed and giving up a home run in his first game back, Stratton remains optimistic.

“Keep moving forward”- Pirates’ Hunter Stratton opens up about his comeback post-injuries

Pirates’ Hunter Stratton opens up about his comeback post-injuries (Image Source: Getty)

It has been a tough and rough season for Pittsburgh Pirates’ Hunter Stratton, who feels rushed and nervous during his recent game, while he was pitching again at PNC Park after being away for eight months due to a serious injury he got at the same place. Here’s what he said about his comeback.

Hunter Stratton believes his comeback is a mix of hardwork and prayers

While the recent games have made Hunter Stratton a little bit nervous. He feels the game has been moving too fast for him. While in his first at-bat, the Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki managed to hit a home run off him. However, there were moments that were positive too, like securing four swings and misses, and Stratton returning healthy in the MLB again.
He said:

“First one out of the way, keep moving forward, That's how I'm looking at it.”
Further, Stratton explained that his comeback journey wouldn’t be quick, and it is a long process, which requires him to continue pushing. He said:
"I didn't think it would be this quick, but I tried my best to make it this quick, and here we are now, I'm really proud of myself for putting in that work. It's all it has been. It's been a lot of work and prayer.”
He said:

“Body's feeling good, things are moving the right way. But I'm still searching for what I did last year to have that success here. But I think it's right around the corner."

Hunter Stratton’s comeback has its highs and lows

Last year, Hunter Stratton was one of the Pittsburgh Pirates' best relief pitchers, with a 3.58 ERA.
However, the game turned completely upside down, after his season ended early when he got injured, while chasing a ball, which led him to slide into a wall, tearing a tendon in his knee.
The doctors estimated that it would take at least 7 to 10 months for him to recover, Stratton managed to work really hard and healed faster than expected.
Stratton managed to pitch during Spring Training and earned his spot back on the team even before the seven-month mark.
Also Read: Oneil Cruz Shocked As Emmanuel Valdez Ruined His Game Of Tic-Tac-Toe In Pirates Dugout

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TOI Sports Desk

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