Bashlor (elbow) was reinstated from the 7-day minor-league injured list and released by the Twins on Saturday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor was on the injured list with a right elbow strain since May 20, and he'll become a free agent now that he's back to full health. The 29-year-old made seven relief appearances at Triple-A St. Paul this year and posted a 3.86 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in seven innings.

Bashlor (undisclosed) was activated from the 7-day minor-league injured list Thursday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor signed a minor-league contract with the Twins at the end of March, but he began the season on the 7-day injured list for an unspecified reason. He'll serve as a reliever in St. Paul after he posted a 2.39 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 37.2 innings over 37 appearances at the Triple-A level last year.

The Pirates outrighted Bashlor to their alternate site Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor was previously granted his release from the Pirates on April 4, but the pitcher apparently agreed to stick around in the organization after having a week to evaluate his options elsewhere. The right-hander made eight appearances out of Pittsburgh's bullpen in 2020, giving up eight earned runs in 8.1 innings.

The Pirates released Bashlor after designating him for assignment Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh apparently won't bother with attempting to work out a trade or exposing the reliever to waivers, allowing Bashlor to immediately begin exploring opportunities with other organizations. The 27-year-old righty made eight appearances out of the Pirates bullpen in 2020, giving up eight earned runs on nine hits and four walks over 8.1 innings.

The Pirates designated Bashlor for assignment Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for utility man Wilmer Difo, whose contract was selected from the taxi squad in a corresponding move. Bashlor was set to open the season in the minors after the Pirates optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis at the conclusion of spring training.

Bashlor was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor got a late start to camp due to a back injury in 2021 but made his spring debut against the Tigers on Friday. He allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out two in one inning. The right-hander will begin the year in the minors but could serve as bullpen depth at some point this season.

Bashlor (back) allowed one run on three hits and no walks in one inning Friday, striking out a pair of Detroit batters.

EDGE Analysis

The righty pitched in eight games last year, giving up eight earned runs in 8.1 innings. The long ball has haunted Bashlor in his brief time in the majors -- he's been touched for 14 home runs in 62.1 career innings. Even if he makes the team, he's not expected to serve in a high-leverage capacity.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Bashlor (back) tossed a live batting practice session earlier this week, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor looks like he might have an outside chance to pitch in a game before the Pirates wrap up their Grapefruit League schedule, but due to the time he's missed while recovering from lower-back tightness, the 27-year-old is likely to open the season on the injured list. Over 56 career relief appearances with the Mets and Pirates, Bashlor has compiled a 5.78 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Tuesday that Bashlor has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game while he recovers from back stiffness, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor finished the 2020 season on the 10-day injured list on account of lower-back inflammation, so it's somewhat concerning that he's still experiencing back issues months later. On a positive note, Bashlor hasn't been shut down, as Shelton noted that he expects the right-hander to complete a bullpen session Tuesday or Wednesday. Bashlor still appears on track to open the season on the IL, but he shouldn't be in store for an extended absence.

Bashlor was placed on the 10-day injured list with low back inflammation Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Bashlor allowed one run on two hits and one walk over two-thirds of an inning Wednesday, and he'll now be sidelined at least 10 days with a back issue. With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, it's unclear whether the right-hander will return to action in 2020, especially with the Pirates out of playoff contention. Left-hander Austin Davis was recalled to take Bashlor's place in the bullpen.