Major League Baseball

Pirates send Karstens to pen after strong outing

Published May. 9, 2010 3:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jeff Karstens threw six shutout innings against St. Louis - and earned himself a trip to the bullpen.

With the Pirates' rotation suddenly crowded, Pirates manager John Russell said Karstens will work as a reliever for now. Left-hander Brian Burres will start Friday against Chicago after pitching 12 1-3 scoreless innings in his last two starts, against the Dodgers and Cubs.

Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf (back) will come off the disabled list Monday to start against the Reds. He hasn't pitched since going five innings in a 4-3 victory over the Dodgers on April 7.

The Pirates beat the Cardinals 2-0 on Saturday as Karstens and four relievers combined on a four-hitter.