Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett is expected to miss four weeks after being diagnosed with a flexor strain in his pitching elbow Monday.
The Pirates announced Burnett's diagnosis in a statement, saying that the All-Star received a platelet-rich plasma injection.
The 38-year-old Burnett, who plans to retire after the season, said this past weekend that there was "no chance" he would have season-ending surgery.
"I'm going to do everything I can to make it back," Burnett said Monday.
Burnett was placed on the disabled list on Thursday after allowing a season-high seven earned runs in a 15-5 loss to the Reds. He has a 10.13 ERA in three starts since the All-Star break.