The Pittsburgh Pirates placed All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right arm discomfort. The move is retroactive to Monday.

Ashcraft, 26, lasted just five innings in his last start, allowing three runs on seven hits in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He has been one of the majors' best breakout pitchers this season, posting a 14-6 record and a 3.65 ERA while making the NL All-Star team in his second big league season.

The Pirates entered Thursday five games back of the final NL wild-card spot. In a corresponding move, Pittsburgh recalled right-hander Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis.