Schugel suffers setback on rehab assignment
This browser does not support the video element.
MILWAUKEE -- Right-hander A.J. Schugel has been pulled off his rehab assignment after a recurrence of the right shoulder discomfort that landed him on the disabled list to start the season.
"He has to see the doctor and we'll map out the best step," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said before Friday's game at Miller Park against the Brewers. "I'm sure there is a level of frustration that's real."
Schugel made his eighth rehab appearance on Thursday, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning at Triple-A Indianapolis.
He began his rehab stint with two appearances at High-A Bradenton.
Schugel, who went on the DL in late March, has allowed three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings with a 4.05 ERA at Indianapolis. He was 4-0 with a 1.97 ERA in 32 games with the Pirates last season.
Brault to bullpen
Hurdle said he hopes left-hander Steven Brault will benefit from his recent move to the bullpen.
Right-hander Nick Kingham, making his second start Friday night to open the three-game series at Milwaukee, pitched his way into the rotation with seven innings of one-hit ball in his debut against St. Louis on Sunday.
This browser does not support the video element.
"You look for opportunities inside the every fifth day opportunity," Hurdle said. "If a game doesn't go well, there can be angst for four days. There can be anxiety for four days. You'd love to say they let it roll off their back. That's not the way it works. They are all human beings. It's more that there's not that four-day window to prep and stew.
"So, his mind is fresh and he's watching the game, probably with more intent than when he's watching the game as a starter. It's a different dynamic. It keeps him in an anticipatory state of mind, which I think can help and there's no need to try and hold onto that last outing too long."
Brault is 2-1 in five starts and two relief appearances with a 4.65 ERA, but has allowed 25 hits and 16 walks in 31 innings. He struck out three of the eight batters he faced in two scoreless innings of relief against Washington on Wednesday.