The Pirates announced that pitcher A.J. Burnett has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain Thursday, retroactive to June 9.
A.J. Burnett injury: Pirates RHP placed on DL with right calf strain
A.J. Burnett will miss Friday’s start with a right calf strain.
USA TODAY Sports
On Friday, in Burnett's place, the team will start Jeff Locke against the Dodgers. They have not yet announced a starter for Saturday's game.
More Pirates: A.J. Burnett to miss start
Burnett, 36, has an ERA of 3.12 over 89 1/3 innings this season for the Pirates. He has made at least 30 starts every season since 2008.
The team also reinstated starting pitcher Charlie Morton from the 60-day disabled list, and unconditionally released Jose Contreras. Morton could be a candidate to make the start on Saturday that has been vacated by the flurry of roster moves.
Contreras had an ERA of 9.00 in five innings so far this season, so it comes as no surprise to see him be the odd man out. At age 41, he may have thrown his last pitch in the major leagues.
The Pirates also replaced Starling Marte in the lineup with Alex Preley, as Marte was feeling discomfort in his left rib cage. His status is currently day-to-day.
The Pirates, who have surprised everyone early on with their excellent play, will face likely their toughest test in the form of these injuries. Burnett has been a solid veteran presence in their rotation, and they will miss the steadiness that he provided. It sounds like his injury is not too bad, but in the meantime someone will have to step up in his absence.
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