The Pirates will not tender Jeff Karstens a contract. It's not a surprise, as Karstens was due a raise after making $3.1 million in 2012. He'll have no trouble catching on somewhere, though, as Karstens was a pretty useful piece for the Bucs over the last two seasons, posting a 3.38 ERA over 162 1/3 innings in 2011 and a 3.97 mark over 90 2/3 frames in 2012.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Friday that Jeff Karstens will remain in the bullpen for the rest of the season. Hurdle previously left open the possibility that Karstens could make another start, but they'll move ahead with A.J. Burnett, Kyle McPherson, Wandy Rodriguez, Jeff Locke and Kevin Correia in the rotation. Karstens has a 4.01 ERA and 65/15 K/BB in 89 2/3 innings this year.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he will "look for more opportunities" for Jeff Karstens but isn't sure when or if the righty will get a start down the stretch. Karstens looked good in a relief appearance Wednesday, allowing a run on two hits over three innings in his first game back from a hip injury. "We'll continue to look at the schedule and keep our temperature on the guys that are pitching and see what might break for Jeff," Hurdle said. Jeff Locke has allowed five runs in two of his three starts, and Kyle McPherson struggled in his first majors league start Wednesday, so it's a little strange that Karstens, who has a 3.55 ERA and 1.19 WHIP since the start of 2011, hasn't been re-inserted into the rotation already.

Jeff Karstens (hip) surrendered one earned run in three innings Wednesday night against the Brewers. It was the right-hander's first taste of action since August 31. He has a 3.86 ERA in 86 1/3 frames this season.

Jeff Karstens returned to action on Wednesday September 19.

Jeff Karstens (hip) will be available out of the bullpen this weekend. The Pirates aren't ready to throw him back into the rotation just yet, but they've also noted that Jeff Locke won't necessarily keep his spot. It's a fluid situation, as they would also like to give Kyle McPherson a start or two.

Jeff Karstens (hip) said he was "pain-free" during a 30-pitch simulated game Tuesday. He threw 60 pitches overall when you include 30 warm-up tosses. It's not clear when Karstens will rejoin the Pirates' rotation, but it shouldn't be long. Jeff Locke will be moved back into a long relief role.

Jeff Karstens (hip) will throw a simulated game Tuesday. Karstens, who is dealing with a hip flexor injury, made it through a bullpen session Saturday with no issues. If he makes it through Tuesday's simulated game, he could conceivably be ready for a start by next weekend.

Jeff Karstens (hip flexor) is expected to miss "at least" one start, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Jeff Karstens left Friday's start against the Brewers in the first inning with right hip flexor discomfort. Karstens was previously dealing with a left groin injury, so it's not clear if this is a new injury. Either way, he's obviously not 100 percent. He was tagged for four runs on five hits (including a two-run homer) before being replaced by Kyle McPherson.