Pirates put reliever Lyon on disabled list
The Bucs got the pitcher Tuesday in a trade with the Red Sox.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates determined reliever Brandon Lyon has an injured elbow, and are deciding what to do after acquiring the reliever from the Boston Red Sox.
Lyon missed both games of the Pirates-Reds series this week in Cincinnati to have medical tests in Pittsburgh. The tests detected a frayed ligament in his right elbow, and the Pirates put him on the 15-day disabled list Friday.
The Pirates were told by the Red Sox there was no problem with Lyon's arm when the trade was made Tuesday. If the Pirates decide Lyon is not healthy enough to complete the trade, they could seek another player.
Last outing
Lyon last pitched Sunday for the Red Sox, allowing four unearned runs in two innings in a 9-4 win over Toronto. He is 4-5 with a 3.93 ERA with nine saves in 42 relief appearances. He was claimed by the Red Sox off waivers from the Blue Jays last winter.
The Pirates acquired Lyon and minor league pitcher Anastacio Martinez from the Red Sox for left-hander Scott Sauerbeck and minor league reliever Mike Gonzalez and cash.
Sauerbeck was the Pirates' top left-hander out of the bullpen, while Gonzalez was considered one of the team's top 10 prospects going into the season. Martinez is regarded by scouts as a marginal prospect.
Because of Lyon's uncertain status, the Pirates went into their four-game weekend series in St. Louis down two relievers. They have been carrying an extra catcher, Humberto Cota, in case Jason Kendall's appeal of his three-game suspension was not upheld.
Hearing
Kendall was to have attended a hearing on the matter Wednesday, but instead sent a letter outlining his argument. If Kendall's suspension for fighting June 13 in Tampa Bay is upheld or shortened, he would begin serving it as soon as he was notified of the ruling.