Jeff Karstens' (shoulder) rehab will be shut down for a week after he was diagnosed with a strained hip flexor. Karstens suffered the injury during his most recent start on Thursday. Because he has a new injury, his rehab clock can restart, but he won't need nearly that much time before returning. "We're not expecting to use the full rehab (limit) for Jeff coming off the hip flexor because the shoulder was so close," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. "We're hoping it's just a few days." Karstens should rejoin the rotation later this month.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) left a rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Indianapolis after 4 2/3 innings due to tightness in his right groin. Karstens gave up two runs on three hits while striking out five and walking none. He'll be given treatment and re-evaluated Friday.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) allowed five runs -- three earned -- on two hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis Saturday. The results weren't as good as his first outing, but it appears that he made it through fine health-wise, which is the most important thing. Karstens is expected to be stretched out to 80 pitches in his next rehab start, which could be his last.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) threw three scoreless innings on two hits while striking out one in his first rehab start at Double-A Altoona Monday. It's a good start, but Karstens will need at least a couple more outings before rejoining the Pirates rotation. We could see him in early June if all goes well.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) felt good during a 20-pitch simulated game Wednesday. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said the big test will be how Karstens feels Thursday and then in a follow-up session Friday. "[That] will give us a better read on what the next step is for him," Hurdle said.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) will throw a one-inning simulated game Wednesday. "I want to see a little more intensity from him in the 'sim' game," Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage said. "Then, I want to see how he bounces back from that on Friday in a side session." Karstens could begin a rehab stint next week with Double-A Altoona and figures to be ready to rejoin the Pirates no later than early June if all goes well.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) threw long-toss Wednesday. Karstens will need to go out on a rehab assignment before returning, and it sounds like it might not be far off. The Pirates haven't set a timetable for him, but it seems feasible that he'll return sometime this month, barring a setback.

Pirates placed RHP Jeff Karstens on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Karstens was removed from Tuesday's start after just one inning. Brad Lincoln has been called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and figures to start next Tuesday against the Rockies, though A.J. Burnett (eye) is on the cusp of joining the rotation.

Updating an earlier item, Jeff Karstens left Tuesday's outing after one inning due to right shoulder inflammation. It's not good news, obviously, but we won't know how serious the ailment is until the right-hander is examined further when the Pirates return home over the weekend. A.J. Burnett (orbital fracture) is due back next week, so he could wind up sliding into Karstens' spot.

Jeff Karstens gave up three runs in five innings Thursday in a loss to the Dodgers. All three runs scored in the bottom of the first. All told, Karstens allowed seven hits while fanning three, walking one and hitting a batter. He'll carry a 3.27 ERA into a tough assignment on the road against the Diamondbacks next week.