Phil Irwin hits minor-league disabled list

Phil Irwin has landed on the minor-league disabled list with "arm fatigue." The Pirates say the injury does not appear serious.

Irwin has only made three starts this season -- one spot start in the majors, and two for Indianapolis, spaced almost a month apart. He got reasonably good results in the two minor-league starts, but overall, it's been a rough year for him so far. The Pirates' immediate need for him is about to decrease with the returns of Francisco Liriano and Charlie Morton, but it would still be nice if Irwin were healthy, not only so he would be available to the Pirates if needed but so he could get more experience at Triple-A.