Spencer Horwitz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates will activate first baseman Spencer Horwitz (wrist) from the injured list on Friday. Horwitz has been shelved since spring training after he underwent surgery to repair an extensor tendon in his thumb. Pittsburgh acquired him by trade last December in hopes that he'd solve their issues at first base, and he projects to be their everyday option there for the foreseeable future. The 27-year-old has only appeared in 112 games, with a bulk of that experience coming last season with the Blue Jays. He was solid for Toronto with 12 home runs, 19 doubles, 40 RBIs, and a .790 OPS over 97 contests. Horwitz didn't do anything too special during his rehab stint in the minors, but he did bat .323 with a double and a homer over 31 Triple-A at-bats.

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (wrist) has moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis. Horwitz has been sidelined since spring training to repair an extensor tendon in his right thumb. Horwitz began his rehab assignment at Double-A and needed just five games to earn the call to Triple-A. Through his first eight rehab appearances, Horwitz has held a .143/.200/.214 slash line with two doubles with a 5:2 K:BB. Last season, Horwitz appeared in a career-high 97 games for the Toronto Blue Jays and posted a solid .265/.357/.433 slash line with 19 doubles and 12 home runs. When he does return to the majors, fantasy managers should expect Horwitz to be the everyday first baseman in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (wrist) begins his rehab assignment on Sunday, batting leadoff for the Double-A Altoona Curve. The Radford alum has yet to suit up in 2025 as he battled back from wrist surgery that was performed to address "chronic issues." Horwitz hit well the last time we saw him in the big leagues, slashing .265/.357/.433 with 12 homers, 19 doubles, 40 RBI, and 46 runs scored across 328 at-bats. He consistently hit for a high average during his time in the minors and should boost fantasy managers in that department once his rehab program is complete. The 27-year-old has also displayed excellent plate discipline throughout his career.