Pirates Brault Shut Down

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – Pittsburgh pitcher Steven Brault has a strained left shoulder and will be evaluated in two weeks. Brault is trying to earn a spot with the Pirates after splitting last season between the bullpen and starting rotation. The 27-year-old left-hander has struggled in two appearances this spring training, allowing two runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings. Brault went 4-6 with a 5.16 ERA in 19 starts and six relief appearances for Pittsburgh last season. Right-hander Clay Holmes is out 4-to-6 weeks due to a foot fracture.