Pittsburgh, PA -- (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated pitcher Ian Snell from the 15-day disabled in time to start Tuesday's contest with the Houston Astros.

The right-hander was sidelined with medial epicondylitis in his right elbow and hasn't pitched since receiving a no-decision June 22 against Toronto. Snell surrendered four runs on eight hits and four walks with two strikeouts. He was placed on the DL four days later.

Snell, the Pirates opening-day starter, is 3-7 with a 5.99 earned run average this season, with just one win in his last 13 starts.

The 26-year-old is 27-33 with a 4.65 ERA in 98 games and 86 starts over five career seasons for the Pirates.

In a corresponding move, outfielder Steve Pearce was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Pearce was 1-for-3 with a double, seeing action in three games.