As expected, the Pittsburgh Pirates activated right-hander Vince Velasquez from the 15-day injured list Saturday so he can return to the starting rotation.
The corresponding move, however, was unexpected.
To make room on the 26-man active roster, the Pirates designated right-handed reliever Duane Underwood Jr. for assignment.
Velasquez (4-3, 3.06 ERA) started Saturday’s game against the Mariners, bumping scheduled starter Roansy Contreras. Velasquez lasted only two innings before being removed with right elbow discomfort after he gave up four runs on seven hits.
On Sunday, Luis Ortiz is scheduled to start for the Pirates.
Velasquez made his first start since leaving after the third inning of a 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay on May 4 with right elbow inflammation. Velasquez had been 4-1 with a 1.29 ERA in 28 innings since April 13, including 19 consecutive scoreless innings, before going on the IL.
Underwood Jr., 28, is 1-0 with a 5.18 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings over 20 appearances this season with two saves and nine games finished. He experienced right forearm tightness May 19 but returned Tuesday to pitch two innings against Texas, giving up a home run to Josh Jung in the eighth inning. Underwood pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Friday’s 11-6 win over the Mariners.
The Pirates’ 40-man roster is now at 38 players.
