The Pirates are expected to decline Paul Maholm's $9.75 million option for next season. Maholm enjoyed a breakout first half, but he struggled mightily down the stretch and had to be shut down in August with a shoulder strain. The Pirates could decline the hefty $9.75 million option and try to re-sign him at a lesser salary. But he would be eligible for free agency at that point.

Pirates transferred LHP Paul Maholm from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Maholm has been ruled out for the rest of the 2011 season due to a left shoulder strain. The 29-year-old could hit free agency this winter if the Pirates decide to decline his $9.75 million club option for 2012.

The Pirates haven't made a decision on Paul Maholm's contract status for next season. Maholm's deal carries a $9.75 million club option for 2012. While affordable, the left-hander has been on the disabled list since August 18 with a shoulder strain and still isn't showing significant signs of progress. If he's unable to return in September, the Bucs may have to let him hit the free agent market this winter.

Dr. James Andrews found no serious structural damage Monday in an examination of Paul Maholm's left shoulder. "I don't think there was anything we did not expect to see or any surprises," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told the media. Maholm will simply continue to rest. He was placed on the disabled list last week with a strained shoulder and is expected to miss at least three more weeks. Ross Ohlendorf is taking his spot in the Pittsburgh rotation.

Paul Maholm (shoulder) will be examined by Dr. James Andrews Monday. It's always scary when a pitcher has to pay a visit to the infamous Dr. Andrews, but it doesn't necessarily mean Maholm has something seriously wrong with his shoulder. The lefty has admitted, though, that he's had problems with his shoulder before, only this time he couldn't pitch through them. Ross Ohlendorf will take Maholm's spot in the rotation.

Pirates placed LHP Paul Maholm on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 18, with a strained left shoulder. This means the Pirates will need two extra starters next week. They were already planning to call up Ross Ohlendorf to start one game of Monday's doubleheader. Now they may need Brad Lincoln to help fill in for Maholm. The hope is that Maholm will be back early next month. He needs to come back healthy in order to get his $9.75 million option for next year exercised.

Paul Maholm allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings of work on Wednesday, falling to 6-14 in Pittsburgh's loss to the Cardinals. Maholm's awful record comes in spite of a solid 3.66 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. However, his 97/50 K/BB ratio severely limits his value in standard sized mixed leagues.

Paul Maholm lasted just five innings Friday, allowing four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits in a loss to the Brewers. All three of the earned runs the left-hander gave up were scored with two outs, pouring salt in the wound. Maholm has struggled the last three times out and is now 6-13 on the season despite a quality 3.60 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He'll try to get back in the win column next week against the Cardinals.

Paul Maholm pitched seven innings of one-run ball, striking out eight, but took a no-decision in the Pirates loss to the Braves Wednesday. He gave up nine hits and no walks. Maholm had allowed eight runs in two starts since the All-Star break, so it was nice to see him get back on track. Through 22 starts and 139 2/3 innings, he is now the owner of a 3.16 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.

Paul Maholm gave up four of his five runs Friday in the first inning, allowing 10 hits and two walks over six innings in a loss to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols and David Freese got to the left-hander for a pair of two-run shots early on before he settled in, but at that point it was too late. Though this was his worst start in a while, Maholm certainly isn't deserving of his 6-10 record, having posted a 3.26 ERA and 1.24 ERA over his 21 starts. He'll go up against the Braves next.