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Pirates put Francisco Liriano on 15-day disabled list with strained oblique

Francisco Liriano struggled to a 1-6 record before landing on the disabled list. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

After a standout 2013 season, Francisco Liriano has struggled for the Pirates this year. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed starting pitcher Francisco Liriano on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle, the team announced Wednesday. The injury forced the lefthander from Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs after throwing one pitch in the third inning and his 55th pitch of the outing.

An MRI on Wednesday confirmed the injury. The team did not give a timetable for his return.

Liriano, the Pirates' opening day starter, is 1-6 with a 4.60 ERA in 14 starts this season. He has recorded 77 strikeouts with 36 walks and allowed an unusually high number of home runs (8) after surrendering nine last season.

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He is the second Pirates starting pitcher to be placed on the DL this week, after right-hander Gerrit Cole was relegated on Sunday with right shoulder fatigue.

The Pirates recalled right-handed reliever Stolmy Pimentel from a rehab assignment to fill Liriano's roster spot.