Duffy may be staying

Chris Duffy could remain with the Curve for a good bit longer as the Pirates appear to be set to option the center fielder to Double-A.

Duffy has been on a major league rehab assignment with Altoona since June 15, and such an assignment can last only 20 days. The Pirates must activate him from the disabled list by Friday, then they can option him to either Triple-A Indianapolis or the Curve.

Farm director Kyle Stark would not confirm what move would be made. He was asked Tuesday night if there's a good possibility Duffy will be optioned to Double-A.

''There is a good possibility, correct,'' Stark said.

Duffy is trying to make it back to the big leagues after undergoing shoulder surgery last August.

''There's two ways that you can go when we reinstate him [from the DL],'' Stark said. ''One is to option him to Triple-A and let him face Triple-A pitching, or the other is option him to Double-A and let him play center field every day.''

Stark's next statement makes it seem likely Duffy will remain with the Curve.

''He is a center fielder,'' Stark said, ''and the opportunity to play center field every day definitely weighs heavily into whatever decision we make.''

There's no chance Duffy will play center field every day at Indianapolis as long as Andrew McCutchen is there. McCutchen is considered the future of the organization, while Duffy's future with the Pirates is unknown.

Duffy was not at Blair County Ballpark for Tuesday night's game against Binghamton. The organization allowed him to take a day off.

Stark assured ''everything's fine'' with Duffy and that there was nothing troubling about the outfielder's absence Tuesday.

''He's not at the ballpark, but again, there's nothing wrong'' Stark said.

Duffy has batted .250 (11-for-44) with one homer and three RBIs in 14 games on his rehab assignment.