The Pirates have placed starter Ian Snell on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday, meaning he cannot return to the rotation until July 8 at Houston.

The move, made to clear space on the 25-man roster for newly acquired reliever Denny Bautista, was surprising in that expectations as recently as yesterday were that Snell, who has what is called "golfer's elbow" in his right elbow, could pitch as soon as next week. Snell had a light tossing session yesterday and was expected to have a full bullpen session today or tomorrow.

Manager John Russell explained that the Pirates wanted to be cautious and that Snell will not even throw on the side "for a few days" to ensure the elbow heals fully.

"We don't want Ian to feel rushed," Russell said.

Also, the Pirates have promoted starter Jimmy Barthmaier from Class AAA Indianapolis, and he will pitch tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Rays. He also will make one more start next week in Cincinnati.

The Barthmaier move, which will not be formally announced until after the game, will require another player to be removed from the 25-man roster.

The Pirates still need a starter for Saturday, and that is expected to be John Van Benschoten. Whoever starts Saturday will only make one start, Russell said, because their other pitchers can cover the remainder until Phil Dumatrait returns July 5.