Pirates' Starling Marte: Set for workout Thursday

Marte (back) is expected to go through a full workout Thursday, including outdoor batting practice and full-speed running, in preparation for a potential Friday return, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis:

Manager Clint Hurdle believes Marte could return as soon as Friday in Cincinnati. "My guesstimate (is) maybe Friday," Hurdle said. "He's getting really itchy to get back out there." Marte's back spasms came at an inopportune time, considering the outfielder was hitting .412 (14-for-34) in his last eight games.