During Joe Musgrove’s rehab assignment, the Pirates front office had to make an adjustment. Musgrove was so efficient in his first two starts that he was reaching his innings total well before getting to his allotted pitch count, and he was having to throw in the bullpen after coming out. In the bullpen, it’s difficult to replicate the intensity and feel of facing live hitting.
So the Pirates allowed an exception: Musgrove could pitch beyond his expected innings allowance if he hadn’t met his pitch count. He did so in his next start, with Class AAA Indianapolis, throwing 5 2/3 no-hit innings instead of his allotted five, although it was unnecessary in a rockier fourth rehab outing.