Stewart (groin) is expected to appear in back-to-back nine-inning games later this week, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The backstop was scratched due to groin soreness last week, but it seems like he's nearing game action after slowly ramping up his activity over the past few days. As long as his rehab process goes without a hitch, Stewart should be able to resume his position as the backup catcher for Francisco Cervelli soon.

Stewart (groin) caught off a pitching machine Monday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Bill Brink reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart has been dealing with left groin discomfort since Friday. However, an MRI came back negative Saturday, as he hopes this step in his rehab process keeps him on track to be available for Opening Day, although Francisco Cervelli is expected to carry a heavy bulk of the catching duties this season. The 35-year-old says he felt fine after catching the machine, but did not really test himself, so his status will remain uncertain until he does.

An MRI came back clean for Stewart (groin) and he doesn't expect to miss too much time. "I'm optimistic for opening day," Stewart told DK Pittsburgh Sports.

EDGE Analysis

The catcher has appeared in only six Grapefruit League games but has looked rejuvenated behind the plate. Elias Diaz would likely serve as Francisco Cervelli's backup if Stewart is forced out of any April action.

Stewart was scratched from Friday's Grapefruit League lineup with left groin discomfort, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart has already missed a good portion of spring games while recovering from knee surgery, so hopefully this isn't anything too serious. The veteran catcher is slashing just .231/.333/.308 through six games as he prepares for a backup role behind Francisco Cervelli. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Stewart went 0-for-1 with a walk Tuesday, catching four innings in his spring debut against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

He picked off Anthony Recker from second base and then gunned down Micah Johnson attempting to steal second in the same inning. Stewart also drew a four-pitch walk but the Pirates will be in trouble if the 35-year-old is forced to play more than one or two games per week. Stewart, who is coming off knee surgery, has hit .272 in three seasons with Pittsburgh but compiled a meager .657 OPS.

Stewart will take the field for the first time spring Tuesday when the Pirates face the Braves, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart's recovery from the knee surgery he underwent back in September looks to be nearing its end. Although he has apparently been fully healthy all spring, the team has been easing slowly him back into a full workload. Now that he's ready to get back on the field, the Pirates will be hoping the 34-year-old Stewart can provide solid defense and leadership from the catcher position.

Stewart (knee) is healthy entering spring training after undergoing knee surgery in September, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates are purposely giving Stewart a light workload during camp in an effort to preserve the 34-year-old for the regular season. At this point in his career, he offers little in the way of offense. Stewart slashed .214/.319/.286 in 113 plate appearances in 2016.

Stewart (knee) feels as though he's returned to full health since undergoing knee surgery in September, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart battled knee issues last season, but appears to be ready to return once the 2017 campaign rolls around. The 34-year-old played in just 34 games during 2016 and posted a bleak .214/.319/.286 line in that time.

Stewart (knee) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given that the Pirates had ruled him out for the season, Stewart decided to get a head-start on his recovery process and undergo surgery prior to the end of the season. The recovery time for this procedure is typically 6-to-8 weeks, so as long as everything goes as planned, the veteran backstop should be back in time for spring training.

Stewart was placed on the 60-day disabled list Tuesday with a knee injury.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart's knee began acting up again, so the Pirates opted to give him the rest of the season off. The veteran catcher will end the season with a meager .214 batting average as Pittsburgh's backup catcher, which likely won't help him garner a larger role moving into next season. Jacob Stallings was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to take his spot on the roster.