RHP John Holdzkom opted to become a free agent Wednesday rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis after clearing waivers. He had been designated for assignment on Wednesday.

RHP John Holdzkom, designated for assignment by the Pirates on Sunday, was released Tuesday. He made a meteoric rise in 2014, being signed from the independent American Association in June then pitching in relief for the Pirates as they won a National League wild card playoff berth. However, Holdzkom spent all of last season at Triple-A Indianapolis, and his fastball had a marked decrease in velocity during spring training this season.

RHP John Holdzkom was designated for assignment Sunday. He made a meteoric rise in 2014, being signed from the independent American Association in June then pitching in relief for the Pirates as they won a National League wild card playoff berth. However, Holdzkom spent all last season at Triple-A Indianapolis and his fastball had a marked decrease in velocity during spring training this season.

The Indianapolis Indians placed Holdzkom on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

After a rough start to 2015, Holdzkom had allowed runs in just two of his last 13 outings. The lanky righty remains in the mix for a recall as he regains his health. For the season, Holdzkom holds a 3.38 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 27:15 K:BB ratio in 21.1 Triple-A innings.

Holdzkom (shoulder) has not been pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis due to "shoulder fatigue," Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Holdzkom has struggled this season, carrying a 5.56 ERA across 11.1 innings with a 2.12 WHIP. His control has been particularly problematic, walking 13 batters in that time span. After a strong season last year where he rapidly rose through the team's ranks, Holdzkom will look to bounce back upon his return.

Holdzkom has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports.

Holdzkom had an excellent spring, but he was the only back-end bullpen candidate with minor-league options still remaining. It shouldn't be too long before we see Holdzkom with the big club.

Holdzkom isn't a lock to make the team out of camp, primarily because he has options remaining while several other pitching candidates do not, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Prospective bullpen members Arquimedes Caminero and Stolmy Pimentel are out of options, as is Jeff Locke. "One or two (bullpen spots) are open," Pirates GM Neal Huntington said. "We love what John is doing, but we have a handful of other guys who are throwing the ball well. We're going to have some interesting decisions with the (final bench spot) and the bullpen." Holdzkom has thrown four shutout innings thus far in spring training.

Holdzkom doesn't expect to add a second pitch to his primary usage of a four-seam fastball in 2015, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The 6-foot-9 righty (with a 96.7 mph average fastball) threw his favorite pitch 94 percent of the time, with a palm ball accounting for the other six percent. "I'm just going to ride out the heater and see what happens. That's all I've got right now," Holdzkom said. "If it's located well I can probably have some pretty good results." Holdzkom came out of Independent League ball to help Pittsburgh down the stretch and could surprise as a late-inning reliever should injuries strike the bullpen.

Holdzkom struck out two batters in a scoreless inning of relief Wednesday against Toronto.

The right-hander has a good shot of nailing down one of the team's final two bullpen spots, providing he shows good command and control in spring training. Holdzkom's minor-league career 6.6 BB/9 throws up red flags, but he walked just 16 batters in 45.1 combined innings last year split between the major and minor leagues.

Holdzkom enters 2015 with a fairly secured bullpen spot, provided he shows the command he demonstrated last season, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Holdzkom struck out 14 batters and walked two in nine September relief outings, allowing just two runs. Armed with a 95.5 mph cutter, the 6-foot-7 righty could see an expanded bullpen role in 2015.

Holdzkom earned his first big league victory Friday, walking one and striking out another in a scoreless relief inning against the Brewers.

He's posted seven consecutive scoreless outings, whiffing 11 batters while walking just two. Holdzkom has bounced around because of an inability to throw strikes but he's given Pittsburgh a boost out of the bullpen.

Holdzkom picked up his first big league save Saturday, striking out two batters in a scoreless inning.

The towering righty pitched the 11th inning after closer Mark Melancon and top set-up man Tony Watson each pitched two innings apiece. Holdzkom likely won't see many more save opportunities, but he could snag a win or two in relief.

Holdzkom struck out the side in his big league debut Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-9 righty has gone from independent leagues to the majors in 2014, using a mid-90s fastball as a strikeout weapon. Pittsburgh used him down by two runs in the bottom of the eighth, and his solid outing figures to give him additional opportunities in the final month.

Holdzkom was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Holdzkom's contract was selected for the 40-man roster Monday, and a day later he has received the call to join the Pirates' bullpen. He posted a 2.49 ERA and 11.2 K/9 rate in 18 appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, which earned him a spot with the big league club.