Pirates reinstate lefty Martin Perez from injured list, option Justin Bruihl to Triple-A

Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Martin Perez was reinstated from the 15-day injured list, clearing the way for him to start Friday’s series opener at the Atlanta Braves.

Perez (1-3, 4.71 ERA) has been out since May 26 after suffering a left groin muscle strain.

He is slated to face former Pirate Charlie Morton (4-4, 4.20 ERA) at 7:20 p.m. at Truist Park.

To make room for Perez, lefty reliever Justin Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Bruihl (9.53 ERA) has appeared in seven games for the Pirates since being signed as a free agent from the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats.

The 27-year-old Bruihl has bounced between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh this month as the Pirates have experienced injuries and performance-related issues with their bullpen.

In 5 2/3 innings with the Pirates, Bruihl had given up nine hits and six earned runs.

Note: The Indians announced Friday that right-hander Braxton Ashcraft had been placed on the 7-day injured list retroactive to June 27. No specifics on Ashcraft’s injury were immediately offered. The 24-year-old ranks as the Pirates’ No. 5 overall prospect and had recently earned a promotion to Triple-A. In three appearances with the Indians, he was 1-0 with a 0.59 ERA over 15 1/3 innings. Ashcraft went 2-2 with a 3.69 ERA over 10 starts and 53 2/3 innings with the Altoona Curve through early June before he was promoted.