Pirates' Sam Howard: Joins Bucs bullpen

The Pirates recalled Howard from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

The addition of Howard gives the Pirates another lefty reliever after southpaw Anthony Banda (illness) was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. After opening the season on the IL with back spasms, Howard was activated last Wednesday and optioned to Indianapolis, where he's given up an earned run over 2.2 innings between his two appearances with the affiliate.