Pirates place Vince Velasquez on 15-day IL, recall righty reliever Cody Bolton for bullpen

Kevin Gorman
Sunday, May 28, 2023 2:54 p.m. | Sunday, May 28, 2023 2:54 p.m.

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Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Pirates reliever Cody Bolton pitches delivers during the sixth inning against the Blue Jays on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at PNC Park.

The Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday placed right-handed starter Vince Velasquez on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort and recalled righty reliever Cody Bolton from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Velasquez was removed from Saturday’s 5-0 loss at Seattle after allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk in two innings. It was his first start since May 4, when he left after the third inning of a 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay.

Bolton, 24, had a 4.50 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in three appearances for the Pirates from April 29-May 6. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while recording five strikeouts in six innings against Washington, Tampa Bay and Toronto.

Bolton’s return should bolster a bullpen that has a need for a multi-inning reliever after Duane Underwood Jr. was designated for assignment Saturday.