The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed right-handed pitcher Jeff Karstens on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury and have recalled right-handed pitcher Brad Lincoln. Karstens left his start last night after one inning with shoulder inflammation.
Lincoln was set to make his next scheduled start in Indianapolis on Thursday. The next start for Karstens was set for Monday. Lincoln could be an option to make the start on Monday, while serving as a bullpen option today. The Pirates’ bullpen combined for eight innings last night, with Jared Hughes and Tony Watson throwing multiple innings. Joel Hanrahan also has a strained hamstring, which will put him out until Friday. So for the short term, the bullpen needs a break.
Another option for the Monday start would be A.J. Burnett. Burnett was scheduled to make his next rehab start in Altoona on Saturday. It’s possible that the Pirates could skip that and bring him up to the majors, although it would make more sense to go with Lincoln and let Burnett complete his work.
