PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates appear to be lining up Nick Kingham for another start in the big leagues.
The Bucs on Thursday transferred Kingham, who won his first two Major League starts, from Triple-A Indianapolis to Double-A Altoona. It seems likely that demotion will precede another promotion within the next two weeks.
Amid an eight-day stretch that includes three scheduled off-days, the Pirates won't technically need a fifth starter until May 19 unless there's a rainout or postponement. That's why Pittsburgh optioned Kingham back to Indianapolis on Monday. Kingham, the Pirates' No. 12 prospect per MLB Pipeline, returned to Triple-A and started Wednesday, allowing three runs over six innings against Louisville.