PITTSBURGH, July 28 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates Monday placed righthander Kris Benson on the 15-day disabled list because of a shoulder problem.
Benson, who was placed on the DL with irritation in the shoulder, has not pitched since July 17, when he gave up six runs, five earned, and three hits in just two innings of a 7-5 loss to Milwaukee.
"Benson has experienced pain in the shoulder since June, and has been taking anti-inflammatory medication for two months. With it being such a long course that this has been going on, and it's still happening right now, it's not worth my career to continue to throw," Benson told MLB.com.
The 6-4 righthander is 5-9 with a 4.97 ERA, but is 0-4 in seven starts since a road win over the Chicago Cubs on May 27. He had been slated to start Tuesday against San Diego.
To take his roster spot, the Pirates purchased the contract of righthander Jim Mann from Triple-A Nashville of the Pacific Coast League.
