The Pittsburgh Pirates' hopes of making a late run toward an NL playoff spot took a hit Thursday when they placed All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list.
The team said Ashcraft is dealing with right arm discomfort. He lasted just five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits in his last start, a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.
The move is retroactive to Monday.
Ashcraft, 26, has been one of the majors' best breakout pitchers this season, posting a 14-6 record and a 3.65 ERA while making the NL All-Star team in his second big league season.
The Pirates, meanwhile, are on the outside looking in on the NL playoff race. They entered Thursday five games back of the final wild-card spot.
In the corresponding roster move, Pittsburgh recalled right-hander Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis.
