To make room for Steven Brault’s return to the mound, the Pirates have optioned right-handed pitcher Max Kranick to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Brault will make his first start of the 2021 season Wednesday afternoon after spending being placed on the 60-day injured list with a lat strain on his left arm.
To make room on the Pirates’ 40-man roster, righty Chase De Jong has been moved from the 10 to 60-day IL after he had left knee surgery.
After a perfect debut on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals going five innings without giving up a hit or walk over five innings, Kranick has struggled pitching in four games, losing two.
He has a 7.20 ERA over 20 innings of work, striking out 18 and walking eight.