Duffy encouraged by steady progress

CLEARWATER -- Slow but steady.

Chris Duffy’s chances of beginning the season with the Pirates are slim. But the speedy center fielder is encouraged by his progress from left shoulder surgery in August.

The 27-year-old Duffy is taking live batting practice and throwing up to 105 feet during drills. While Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan vie for the starting job, Duffy is content to follow the rehabilitation program set forth by the team’s medical and training staff.

“I just want to play at 100 percent. That’s my main goal,” said Duffy, who did not play with the Pirates after June 28 last season because of an ankle injury (he played four games with the Gulf Coast League Pirates on a rehab assignment).

“My last two years, I haven’t been 100 percent. I’ve been battling with this arm, and I was finally able to take care of it,” he said. “When I get done with the rehab, I want to get on the field and stay on the field. I don’t want to come back too early, have a setback and miss a couple more weeks.”

Duffy has no restrictions in the cage and finds himself swinging hard without discomfort. But his ability to throw from the outfield is a work in progress.

“That (105 feet) is as far as my arm will let me go right now,” he said. “Sometimes you have good days, sometimes you have bad days. A lot of guys are telling me when you have surgery, you feel great sometimes and the next day you’ll feel like you’re broke again.”

Quote of the day

“It doesn’t feel good yet. If it felt good, I’d be out there.” – Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez, limited to designated hitter duty for at least several days while continuing to build throwing strength in his shoulder.

Up next

The Pirates travel to Fort Myers to meet the Red Sox at 1:05 p.m. at City of Palms Park. Phil Dumatrait is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Also expected to pitch for the Pirates are Bryan Bullington, Dave Davidson, Mike Thompson and Franquelis Osoria.

Minor matters

The first full-squad workout for Pittsburgh minor leaguers is Thursday at Pirate City. … The Phillies won a seven-inning “B” game at Bright House Networks Field 1-0 against the Pirates. Yoslan Herrera started for the Pirates and pitched three innings, striking out three. He allowed a solo home run to Mike Cervenak. Jamie Moyer pitched four scoreless innings for the Phillies and Adam Bernero, Juan Perez and T.J. Beam pitched a scoreless inning apiece for the Pirates. … Brian Bixler doubled for the Pirates.

- Mike Henry, Herald Staff Writer