By Rob Biertempfel

Published: Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 10:26 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Pirates do not need to immediately make an addition to their starting rotation in the wake of LHP Erik Bedard's release on Tuesday. Due to the off day Thursday, the four remaining starters can make their next scheduled turns on normal rest. There isn't a need to replace Bedard until the series next week against the Astros.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Kevin Correia (9-8, 4.53) could move from the bullpen back to the rotation. What about going outside the organization for someone such as Mark Buehrle or even Roger Clemens? “Our focus starts in-house,” Hurdle said, mentioning prospects lefty Jeff Locke and righty Kyle McPherson.

Hurdle said the decision to cut Bedard was “strictly performance-related.” Bedard, 33, had a 5.01 ERA and leads the NL with 15 losses. “We tried various methods to get Erik in a most consistent place,” Hurdle said. “We weren't able to do it.” Bedard signed a one-year, $4.5 million free-agent contract in the offseason.

• Second baseman Neil Walker (tightness in lower back) was examined by doctors Tuesday. With Walker down at least another day or two, infielder Chase d'Arnaud was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. In 97 games with Indy, d'Arnaud hit .247 with 37 RBI and 33 stolen bases. “I'll come off the bench here, steal a base and score a run,” d'Arnaud said. “Whatever they need me to do.”

• Reliever Chad Qualls (toe), eligible to come off the DL on Sept. 9, threw off flat ground Tuesday.

• Right-hander Jeff Karstens (groin) threw his scheduled side session Tuesday.

• Indianapolis closer Tim Wood and outfielder Starling Marte (now with the Pirates) were named to the Triple-A Internationa League postseason all-star team.

— Rob Biertempfel

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