PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) — In the midst of their long losing streak, the Pirates made a move Saturday as they try to end their August swoon.

Right-hander Brad Lincoln was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis before their game against the San Diego Padres on Saturday evening.

Lincoln, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2006 draft, was 7-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 19 starts for Indianapolis this season.

He will pitch as a reliever for the Pirates, whose bullpen has been taxed in recent weeks due to some extra-inning games and ineffective starts.

To make room for Lincoln, the team optioned left-hander Tony Watson to Indianapolis. Watson had been scored upon in each of his past three appearances.

Lincoln is 1-4 with a 6.29 ERA in 11 games (nine starts) in the majors, including one start this season. He allowed two runs on four hits in six innings of a spot start July 2 in Washington.

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