JT Brubaker reinstated from IL to start Saturday against the Cubs, Kyle Keller optioned

Kevin Gorman
Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 12:40 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 12:40 p.m.

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Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Pirates pitcher JT Brubaker delivers during the fifth inning against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, at PNC Park. Pirates pitcher JT Brubaker delivers during the fifth inning against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, at PNC Park.

JT Brubaker has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list and will try to snap the Pittsburgh Pirates’ four-game losing streak when he starts against the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 p.m. Saturday at Wrigley Field.

The right-hander was placed on the IL on Aug. 25 with a right thumb contusion, which occurred when he jammed his thumb during his first at-bat as he pitched five scoreless innings in a 4-2 win over Arizona on Aug. 24 at PNC Park. Brubaker allowed four hits and three walks with six strikeouts in the victory, his first since May 29.

Brubaker (5-13, 5.27 ERA) will make his fourth career start against the Cubs, his second this season. He earned the win in a 7-1 victory on April 11 at PNC Park. Brubaker also won his first game as a starting pitcher against the Cubs last year, a 6-2 win on Sept. 3, and took the defeat in a 5-9 loss on Sept. 21.

To make room on the 28-man roster, the Pirates optioned right-handed reliever Kyle Keller to Triple-A Indianapolis.