Pirates placed RHP Jose Contreras on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation. Contreras has allowed seven hits, six walks and five earned runs in five innings of relief this season for the Bucs. The severity of his back injury is unknown.

Pirates activated RHP Jose Contreras from the bereavement list. Contreras has been away from the team since Friday. The veteran right-hander returns to a 4.50 ERA and 4/1 K/BB ratio over four innings this season.

Pirates placed RHP Jose Contreras on the bereavement list. Contreras is permitted to stay on the bereavement list for a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven. The Pirates have called up Jared Hughes to replace him on the active roster.

Pirates purchased the contract of RHP Jose Contreras from Triple-A Indianapolis. Working his way back from Tommy John surgery, Contreras posted a 3.86 ERA and 8/1 K/BB ratio over seven frames in the minors. He'll work in middle relief.

Jose Contreras (elbow) is on track to join the Pirates on May 3. Contreras, who is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery, is set to pitch for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday and Monday. He'll then rest for two days before joining the Pirates' active roster.

Jose Contreras (elbow) has been sent to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin a rehab assignment. Contreras has come along as expected in his rehab from Tommy John surgery. He could be an option to join the Pirates' bullpen sometime in May.

Jose Contreras (elbow) will throw two innings in an extended spring training game on Wednesday. It will be his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Pirates are hoping Contreras will be an option to join their bullpen sometime during the first half.

Jose Contreras (elbow) threw a successful 21-pitch simulated game on Wednesday. "Great, no problems," the veteran right-hander said. Contreras is recovering from Tommy John surgery and it's not clear when he might be ready to contribute for the Pirates.

Jose Contreras (elbow) says he's already thrown three bullpen sessions prior to signing with the Pirates. Contreras is working his way back from elbow surgery and will be rehabbing during major league spring training. The Pirates are hoping he'll be ready to contribute for the early part of the 2013 season.

Pirates signed RHP Jose Contreras to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Contreras appeared in just 17 games for the Phillies in 2012, posting an ugly 5.27 ERA. The 41-year-old right-hander is recovering from multiple elbow injuries and might not be ready for the start of the 2013 season.