Pirates released RHP Duke Welker. He had been designated for assignment last week and is now out of the organization. Welker, 28, had Tommy John surgery in June.

Pirates designated RHP Duke Welker for assignment. Welker had Tommy John surgery in June, and the Pirates needed the 40-man roster spot for Matt Hague. Welker will likely remain with the organization, and he should be back on the mound by the middle of 2015.

Duke Welker underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday. Welker had posted a 4.91 ERA over nine relief appearances this season at Triple-A Indianapolis. He'll be sidelined until around midseason next year.

Pirates optioned RHP Duke Welker to Triple-A Indianapolis. Welker was roughed up for six runs over 5 1/3 frames this spring. He'll provide depth in the minors.

Pirates acquired RHP Duke Welker from the Twins in exchange for LHP Kris Johnson. Pittsburgh shipped Welker to Minnesota in September as part of the Justin Morneau trade, but now the 27-year-old right-hander is back with the team that selected him in the second round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. Welker had a 3.57 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 63 innings this past summer at Triple-A. He's a decent relief prospect.

Twins acquired RHP Duke Welker from the Pirates to complete the Justin Morneau trade. Welker made two scoreless appearances for the Pirates earlier this season and put up a 3.48 ERA with over a strikeout per inning at the Triple-A level. He could carve out a role as a middle reliever in Minnesota.

Pirates optioned RHP Duke Welker to Triple-A Indianapolis. He was sent down to make room for Jeanmar Gomez's return from the disabled list. Welker tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings over two appearances during his brief stint with the big club.

Pirates recalled RHP Duke Welker from Triple-A Indianapolis. Welker spent three days in the majors earlier this season but did not make an appearance. The right-hander will serve as middle relief depth for the Pirates.

Pirates optioned RHP Duke Welker to Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates had to clear a roster spot for Francisco Liriano's return from the DL, so Welker will be sent down. He failed to appear in a game during his brief callup.

Pirates recalled RHP Duke Welker from Triple-A Indianapolis. Welker has allowed just one unearned run over 16 innings of work this season while posting a 16/8 K/BB ratio. He'll provide a fresh arm for the bullpen.