Bill Brink writes that Pirates reliever Chris Leroux, who has missed the entire season so far with a strained pectoral muscle, is set to begin a rehab assignment:
↵↵↵#Pirates announce RHP Chris Leroux will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Bradenton today. 40 to 50 pitches over 2 to 3 innings.
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If the Pirates want to keep Leroux, they'll have to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for him once his rehab period is over, because he's out of options. Leroux was great down the stretch for the Pirates in 2011, striking out 24 batters and walking just seven while allowing no homers in 25 innings. The Bucs have gotten nice work from their bullpen all season in 2012, but Leroux is good enough to be worth clearing a spot for. That move will probably happen in about two to three weeks.
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