Chris

Leroux

The move clears a spot on the Pirates’ 40-man roster. Leroux, who was blasted for 12 runs over 10 1/3 innings this spring, will not eligible to return until June.

Leroux began the season on the DL with a strained right pectoral muscle. Though he said he’s taking it slowly and has no timetable for a return, he reports notable improvement. June seems like a feasible goal if he keeps progressing.

The Pirates’ bullpen is taxed after an extra-innings win over the Cardinals, and Kevin Correia won’t be available. Jordy Mercer is being placed on paternity leave, so Leroux or Justin Wilson will be recalled. Chad Qualls is due back from the bereavement list and could be added in a corresponding move.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Leroux, whose 30-day rehab window recently came to a close, passed through waivers and will remain with the organization. He has a 3.97 ERA and 8/5 K/BB ratio over 11 1/3 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis and will serve as relief depth in the minors.

Leroux is scheduled to throw 40 or 50 pitches over two to three innings. The 28-year-old right-hander has been out all season with a strained right pectoral muscle.

The Pirates added five players to their major league roster Saturday. Leroux will serve as a longman/sixth starter, while Jeff Locke replaces Erik Bedard in the starting rotation. Justin Wilson, Eric Fryer, and Brock Holt have been all been promoted to the major league roster.

“My velocity is coming back and the breaking ball is getting sharper with each outing,’' Leroux said. ''I have to keep in mind that the next 30 days that I have to rehab in Indy are actually like my spring training, so I try not to get too frustrated.” Leroux has been out all season with a strained right pectoral muscle. A fair estimate would have him back right around the All-Star break.

The Pirates lost some bullpen versatility when they shipped Brad Lincoln to Toronto, and they hope Leroux might be able to fill that role. Leroux was outrighted off the 40-man roster last month, but the Pirates can add him back without making any additional moves, as the roster is currently at 39. He’s pitched well for Triple-A Indianapolis this season, posting a 2.78 ERA and 28/9 K/BB ratio over 35 2/3 innings.

Leroux was charged with eight runs, seven of them earned. He entered with a perfect ERA in seven innings this spring in his attempt to secure a bullpen spot. One bad day shouldn’t doom him.

Leroux gets the boot after allowing three runs and six walks over four innings with the Bucs. The 29-year-old should be able to clear waivers and remain in the organization.