Kevin Correia Hits DL; Pirates Recall Chris Leroux

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost their second starting pitcher of the week, as the club has placed Kevin Correia on the 15 day disabled list.  To fill his spot on their roster, the Pirates have recalled reliever Chris Leroux.

A left oblique strain has forced Correia to the DL.  It’s uncertain how the injury was sustained, but Correia struggled through his last start, in which he gave up 6 earned runs on 8 hits to the Reds Friday night.

After posting solid numbers over the first half of the season, Correia has struggled mightily.  Since July the right hander has been hammered, averaging an ERA of 7.09 over his last 9 starts.

Pittsburgh hasn’t announced who will replace Correia in their rotation, but Sean Gallagher and Aaron Thompson could get the nod.

Correia’s injury comes only days after the Pirates placed fellow starter Paul Maholm on the disabled list with a left shoulder strain.

Pittsburgh is hoping that Leroux can relieve some of the pressure that injuries and lack of consistency has caused their pitching staff recently.  The lefty has the ability to cover multiple innings for the Bucs and will likely be plugged into the role of long man.

For more on the Pirates, be sure to check out Rum Bunter.