Jeff Karstens Placed on DL; Pirates Recall Brad Lincoln

It appeared that the Pittsburgh Pirates were facing a difficult decision with A.J. Burnett’s pending activation from the disabled list.  However, it now looks like fellow starting pitcher Jeff Karstens has made the decision an easy one.  Karstens was placed on the Pirates 15-day disabled list yesterday with elbow inflammation.  To replace Karstens on their roster, the Pirates have recalled former first round pick Brad Lincoln.

Karstens left Tuesday’s contest against the Diamondbacks after logging only one inning.  The right-hander complained of discomfort in his shoulder and will be examined by doctors to determine the extent of the injury.

Tom Singer of MLB.com believes that Lincoln, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft, will merely be a placeholder for Pirates offseason acquisition A.J. Burnett.

Burnett is recovering from a broken bone below his eye and is expected to return within the next two weeks.  The veteran right-hander is expected to make one more minor league start before being activated for his Pirates debut.

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