PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates recalled right-hander Bryan Bullington, the No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft, from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.
Pittsburgh optioned right-hander Marino Salas (1-0, 7.00 ERA in seven games) to Indianapolis to make room on its roster.
The 27-year-old Bullington was starting at Indianapolis, but the Pirates needed a long reliever after left-hander Tom Gorzelanny lasted only two-thirds of an inning during a 9-1 loss in Cincinnati on Wednesday night. The Pirates don't have another day off until June 16.
Bullington was 3-6 with a 5.68 ERA in Triple-A but has won three of his last four starts. He was 0-3 with a 5.89 ERA in six games with Pittsburgh in 2007 and 2005, missing the 2006 season after needing right shoulder surgery.