From Setbacks to the Mound: Justin Lawrence's Unyielding Quest for a Strong Finish

The journey back to the big leagues is rarely smooth, but for Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Justin Lawrence, it’s been a winding road paved with relentless challenges and unwavering determination. After battling through not one, but two significant injuries that threatened to derail his career, Lawrence is back on the mound, driven by a singular goal: to finish the season strong and solidify his future.

Lawrence's resilience was first tested in 2021 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, a career-altering procedure for many pitchers.

He fought his way back, making his MLB debut in 2022 and showing flashes of his potential. Then, just as he was finding his rhythm in the 2023 season, pitching to an impressive 2.87 ERA across 12 appearances, disaster struck again. A lat injury, specifically to his teres major, sidelined him in August, prematurely ending his promising campaign.

“It’s mentally exhausting, going through the rehab,” Lawrence admitted, reflecting on the arduous process.

“You just want to be back out there competing with your teammates.” His latest recovery began in December, a slow, methodical return to throwing that culminated in his readiness for 2024 Spring Training. Yet, the road from rehabilitation to performance is often fraught with new hurdles. Lawrence initially struggled upon his return to Triple-A Indianapolis, where his command wavered, leading to an elevated 8.66 ERA and 14 walks in just 17 2/3 innings over 18 appearances.

But true competitors don't back down.

Lawrence dug deep, meticulously refining his mechanics and mental approach. The results spoke for themselves: in his final nine appearances with Indianapolis, he drastically cut down his walks to just three over 12 1/3 innings, a clear sign that his command, and his confidence, were returning. This resurgence earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Pirates on August 29.

Now, with the Pirates in the final stretch of the season, Lawrence isn't just looking to fill a roster spot; he's aiming to make a profound statement.

“My main goal is just finishing strong,” he emphasized. “Making an impression to go into next year to be a part of this bullpen. Just show consistency and just throw strikes and be competitive.” Manager Derek Shelton echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Lawrence's powerful arm while stressing the need for consistent strike-throwing.

“When Justin is in the zone,” Shelton observed, “he’s effective.”

Lawrence’s journey is a powerful testament to the grit required to succeed in professional baseball. From the grueling rehab of Tommy John to the frustrating setback of a lat injury, he has faced adversity head-on. As he steps onto the mound in September, each pitch is more than just a delivery; it's a defiant declaration of his unwavering spirit, his battle-hardened resolve, and his burning desire to prove he belongs, ready to be a consistent force in the Pirates' bullpen for seasons to come.