Bastardo, Lindblom begin rehab assignments with Indianapolis

Two relief pitchers on the disabled list took another step toward returning to the Pirates' bullpen Saturday.

Left-hander Antonio Bastardo and right-hander Josh Lindblom will begin rehab assignments with Triple-A Indianapolis, the club announced Saturday afternoon.



Bastardo, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 25 with a left quadriceps strain, pitched an inning at extended spring training on Tuesday and threw another inning Thursday.

Reacquired from the Mets last August, Bastardo struggled mightily prior to his injury. He surrendered 12 earned runs on 15 hits, including four home runs, in 6 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking seven for a 16.20 ERA.

Lindblom, meanwhile, did not have much success in his four appearances prior to his stint on the disabled list. Signed to a minor-league contract last December, Lindblom gave up nine runs in 10 1/3 innings. He was placed on the 10-day disabled list on May 20 with left side discomfort.

The 29-year-old did excel in his 18 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis prior to being recalled May 6, when Jameson Taillon was placed on the disabled list. Lindblom spent two seasons playing professionally in South Korea.