Kyle McPherson (shoulder) is on a regular schedule during spring training.

McPherson had to be pulled early from Dominican Winter League play due to shoulder pain, but it was minor and he feels fine now. "He had some minor setbacks over the winter, but his rehab is in a very good place," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's throwing his mounds and is on time with everything." McPherson will likely start the year in the Triple-A rotation unless Francisco Liriano's (arm) recovery drags on longer than expected.

Kyle McPherson was pulled out of Dominican Winter League play early due to shoulder pain.

The good news is that he won't need surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training after some rest. The young right-hander impressed down the stretch with the Pirates this past season, posting a 2.73 ERA over 10 appearances.

Kyle McPherson was terrific in a no-decision against the Reds on Saturday, allowing only four hits and a walk over six scoreless innings.

McPherson also racked up a career-high five strikeouts on the evening. The 24-year-old right-hander now owns a 2.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 21/7 K/BB ratio through 26 1/3 innings. With his strong late-season performance, he'll likely earn a chance to compete for a rotation spot next spring.

Kyle McPherson was charged with four runs over 4 1/3 innings Monday in a loss to the Mets.

McPherson allowed four hits (including a two-run homer by Ike Davis) and three walks while striking out three. He threw just 46 out of 83 pitches for strikes before being pulled. The 24-year-old right-hander packs plenty of long-term potential, but the Pirates may go in another direction against the Reds this weekend as they try to get back to the .500 mark.

Kyle McPherson will start Monday against the Mets.

There was some speculation that McPherson would be removed from the starting rotation for Jeff Karstens, but evidently that won't happen. McPherson will be followed by Wandy Rodriguez, Jeff Locke, and Kevin Correia.

Kyle McPherson allowed two earned runs in 4 1/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Brewers.

It was his first major league start and he was lifted after throwing just 71 pitches. The 24-year-old right-hander is likely to take at least one more turn in the Pirates' rotation but he carries no fantasy value.

Kyle McPherson will make his first major league start on Wednesday against the Brewers.

He's taking James McDonald's spot in the rotation. McPherson has earned the chance with some fine work out the bullpen since being promoted last month, posting a 1.54 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 11/2 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old is a decent prospect but is a risky streaming option against the red-hot Brewers.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he would like to give Kyle McPherson a spot start or two down the stretch.

It could depend on where the fading Pirates stand in the playoff picture in the final weeks. McPherson has given up just two runs while striking out 10 over 10 2/3 relief innings since being called up last month.

Kyle McPherson will pitch out of the bullpen.

There was some speculation that McPherson would take Erik Bedard's spot in the rotation and start Tuesday against the Astros, but that's not the case. Jeff Locke is expected to be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday and start against the Brewers, effectively taking the place of Bedard.

Pirates recalled RHP Kyle McPherson from Triple-A Indianapolis.

McPherson tossed two innings last Monday in his major league debut and was immediately sent back down to the minors. The 24-year-old right-hander had a solid 3.22 ERA and 63/9 K/BB ratio over 67 innings between Double- and Triple-A this season and will provide bullpen depth down the stretch.

Pirates optioned RHP Kyle McPherson to Triple-A Indianapolis.

The move was made on Tuesday. McPherson was called up for some insurance Monday and tossed two scoreless innings in his major league debut. Look for him to return in September.

Pirates recalled RHP Kyle McPherson from Triple-A Indianapolis.

He'll take the place of Juan Cruz on the active roster. McPherson got a late start this season due to shoulder inflammation, but posted a solid 3.60 ERA and 58/7 K/BB ratio in 60 innings over 11 starts between Double- and Triple-A. The 24-year-old right-hander has a chance to make it as a mid-rotation starter in the big leagues, but he'll likely pitch in middle relief down the stretch.