Pirates' Starling Marte: Playing through ankle discomfort

Marte need an occasional day off early in 2017 as part of his continued recovery from an ankle sprain, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "We're still assessing that," head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said.

Analysis:

He initially injured his ankle March 8 while sliding into second base. "I don't think it's going to be an issue," Marte said. "Yeah, it is a little bit sore here and there. I do believe that I'm going to be able to play throughout the season, especially with the therapy I'm going through." Marte returned from the World Baseball Classic and promptly hit an opposite-field grand slam Thursday. One would think that the Pirates wouldn't be playing him in meaningless exhibition games if the injury was severe.