Hunter Barco exits early after injury

This team’s curse runs deeper than Davy Jones’ locker!

Hunter Barco has been off to a red hot start this season. Across Altoona and Indianapolis, Barco has only allowed one run over 30 innings of action this season, setting a Curve record with 25 straight innings pitched without allowing a run. He was looking to be the next great pitcher in Pittsburgh’s system, but that may be coming to a halt, as he was yanked from Thursday’s contest against Louisville after seeming to suffer an injury.

Barco was off to an uncharacteristic bad start to begin the day, walking two batters and giving up a double. His injury came in the middle of an at bat after he threw his 23rd pitch of the day, and was then seen wincing in pain.

Indianapolis has not disclosed any specifics on Barco’s ailment, but he does have an extensive injury history. He would end up undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022 after being selected by the Pirates with the 44th overall pick, and then saw a leg injury end his 2024 season after 18 games. A healthy 2025 could’ve been the determining factor for when he gets called up to Pittsburgh, and now with this newest injury, that too could be set back farther than expected.

Despite the issues with injuries, Barco does always seem to bounce back and get better. This year he has a staggering 0.89 ERA, the lowest in Minor League baseball. His stretch of dominance in Altoona saw him be named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Month for April and earned him a spot in the MiLB Top 100 pipeline, placing at number 93. He is also the Pirates’ number five ranked prospect.

Getting Barco back in action will be a top priority for Indianapolis, as he is a part of an incredible rotation for the Indians with several other top 100 prospects. The Pirates organization as a whole will need to monitor this situation as it unfolds, especially if he has any chance of seeing a promotion to Pittsburgh as early as next Spring.