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Francisco Cervelli is starting a rehab assignment in Altoona

Catcher Francisco Cervelli, who has been on the disabled list since June 22 with a concussion, will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Class AA Altoona, the Pirates announced.

Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk indicated Wednesday that Cervelli would soon start a rehab assignment, assuming he had been cleared to play by the commissioner’s office and the players’ association and Cervelli approved the assignment. Cervelli worked out with the Altoona club this week.

Cervelli, who has had four concussions since 2011, did not play for three consecutive days in June after he was hit in the jaw by a foul tip.