Pirates Reinstate Locke From Disabled List

PITTSBURGH (KDKA)- Jeff Locke has taken one step closer to re-joining the Pirates.

The team announced Friday morning that they have reinstated their lefty starter from the 15-day disabled list. Locke has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Locke started the season on the disabled list because of a right side strain. On the path to rehabilitation, Locke spent time with High-A Bradenton and threw 82 pitches (6.0ip/5h/2r/2er/1bb/10so) in Wednesday's game.

Locke started 30 games for the Pirates in 2013 and was 10-7 with a 3.52 ERA. His performance in the first half of the season earned him an All-Star bid, but he struggled with his control in the second half and was eventually demoted to AA Altoona in August.