The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially reinstated left-handed starting pitcher Martín Pérez from the 15-day injured list. He will face the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.
The 33-year-old was placed on the injured list on May 28 with a left groin strain. Pérez made one rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he allowed a pair of runs — one earned — across five innings pitched.
Prior to his injury, the veteran made 11 starts with the Pirates this season. He went 1-3 with a 4.71 ERA, 70 hits allowed, 19 walks and 46 strikeouts in 57.1 innings.
Pérez had been off to a terrific start on the season but faded during May. In six starts through the end of April, he owned a 2.86 ERA but went 0-2 with a 7.54 ERA in May.
To get Pérez back on the roster, the Pirates optioned left-handed relief pitcher Justin Bruihl to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Bruihl, who the Pirates signed to a major-league free agent contract earlier this month, has made seven appearances with Pittsburgh and has posted a 9.53 ERA. He’s been tagged for six runs on nine hits, one walk and five strikeouts in 9.2 innings pitched.
The Pirates are now left with a pair of lefty relievers in their bullpen — Josh Fleming and Aroldis Chapman.
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