The Pirates gave pitcher Bobby Bradley, their No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft, his unconditional release today to make room on the 40-man roster for rookie Zach Duke.

Duke, who has gone 12-3 with a 2.92 ERA in 16 starts at Class AAA Indianapolis this season, is scheduled to make his major league debut as the Pirates starting pitcher tomorrow in Milwaukee.

Bradley spent most of 2004 at Class AA Altoona and struggled with his control at Indianapolis this season.

Pitching in relief after beginning the season in the Indians' starting rotation, he walked 30 batters in just 12 1/3 innings and had a 13.14 ERA.

The Pirates also returned outfielder Nate McLouth, who was promoted from Class AAA earlier this week to replace injured Oliver Perez, to Indianapolis.

For more details, see tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.