Pirates place Braxton Ashcraft on 15-day IL

The Pittsburgh Pirates placed All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right arm discomfort. The move is retroactive to Monday.

Ashcraft, 26, lasted just five innings in his last start, a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits. He has posted a 14-6 record and a 3.65 ERA this season, making the NL All-Star team in his second big league season.

In the corresponding roster move, Pittsburgh recalled right-hander Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The Pirates entered Thursday 5 games back of the final wild card spot in the NL playoff race.