Marte placed on 15-day DL; Lambo recalled

Outfielder Starling Marte appeared to be on the cusp of returning to the Pirates' lineup. Instead, the club placed him on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, retroactive to Monday.

Marte, who has been battling a right hand contusion, also suffered a sprain of the fourth MCP ligament on the hand.

"This is all part of the original injury. There have been no new complications," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We'll have more information when we get home and he's seen by our doctors."

To take Marte's place on the active roster, the Pirates recalled outfielder Andrew Lambo from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Although Marte won't be eligible for activation until Sept. 4 and postseason rosters are frozen on Aug. 31, as a player on the DL at the cutoff date, he will remain eligible for the playoffs.

On Thursday, Hurdle indicated that Marte was close to returning to the starting lineup and said the 24-year-old was available to pinch-run or play defense. Now, Marte -- who is batting .282 with 25 doubles, 10 triples, 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and 35 stolen bases -- will be sidelined until at least the first week of September.

Lambo has appeared in four games with the Pirates this season. He has tallied one hit -- a double -- in nine at-bats.