PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled right-hander Brad Lincoln from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday before their game against the San Diego Padres.
Lincoln, a former first-round draft pick, was 7-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 19 starts for Indianapolis this season. He will pitch as a reliever for the Pirates, whose bullpen has been taxed in recent weeks due to some extra-inning games and ineffective starts.
To make room for Lincoln, Pittsburgh optioned left-hander Tony Watson to Indianapolis. Watson had been scored upon in each of his past three appearances.
Lincoln is 1-4 with a 6.29 ERA in 11 games (nine starts) in the majors, including one start this season. He allowed two runs on four hits in six innings of a spot start July 2 in Washington.
Lincoln was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2006 draft.
