Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Pirates left hander Joe Beimel will join Altoona on an MLB rehab assignment, the Pirates announced today.

Beimel, 34, is currently on the disabled list with left elbow inflammation and recently pitched a clean inning of work while striking out two for the Bradenton Marauders on July 1st. He’s appeared in 18 games this season for the Pirates and is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

The native of nearby St. Marys, Pa. was originally drafted by the Pirates out of Duquesne University in the 18th round of the 1998 draft and was the first player ever taken by the Pirates out of Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University.

In his road to the majors, Beimel pitched in 10 games as a starter for the 2000 Altoona Curve and was 1-6 with a 4.16 ERA. This will be his first appearance back in Altoona since the year 2000.