The Pirates have activated right-handed starting pitcher Jeff Karstens from the disabled list, the club announced Monday afternoon. He will start Monday night against the Phillies.
Karstens, 29, made only three starts in April before hitting the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. He's 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. Last season, Karstens was 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 162 1/3 innings pitched.
Brad Lincoln will be moved back to the bullpen while James McDonald, A.J. Burnett, Erik Bedard, Kevin Correia and Karstens comprise the starting rotation.
After Karstens' start Monday, the order will be Bedard, McDonald, Burnett and Correia.
The Pirates are just one game behind the Reds in the NL Central.
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