pitcher Chris Jakubauskas was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a
concussion and head contusion after he was struck in the head by a line
drive in Saturday’s game.
The Pirates recalled left-hander
Brian Burres from Triple-A Indianapolis before Sunday’s series finale
and also purchased the contract of right-hander Brian Bass. The team
also optioned right-hander Daniel McCutchen to Indianapolis and
designated outfielder Brandon Jones for assignment to clear roster
space for Bass.
Jakubauskas left in the first inning
after Lance Berkman‘s line drive hit him in the head, behind his right
ear. He was carted off the field and taken to a nearby hospital, where
he was kept overnight for observation.
Jakubauskas told Pittsburgh manager
John Russell on Sunday that he was feeling better and that the
dizziness he experienced on Saturday night had subsided.
“He’s doing pretty good,” Russell
said. “He’s feeling OK, a little tired obviously. We were fortunate. It
could’ve been a lot worse. It’s looking like it’s working out pretty
good for him. He was in pretty good spirits.”
Russell was awaiting word whether
Jakubauskas would be able to fly with the team to Milwaukee, where the
Pirates open a three-game series on Monday. Jakubauskas was not at the
ballpark before Sunday’s game.
“If he starts getting dizzy at some point today, we’ll make other arrangements,” Russell said. “But so far, so good.”
Jakubauskas’ injury forced Russell to
use five relievers in Saturday’s 5-2 loss. Burres had just been
optioned to the minors on Wednesday. He appeared in two games for
Pittsburgh between April 12-21, including one start.
Bass spent the 2009 season with
Baltimore and finished second among AL relievers in innings pitched (86
1-3). He was 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA in four appearances with Indianapolis
this season.
“It gives us two guys who are
capable of pitching long,” Russell said. “Just gives us options for
multiple innings, but also guys who can do a good job for us. The main
thing is the bullpen is pretty taxed. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got
some coverage.”
Russell said Burres or Bass could start in Los Angeles on Thursday.