The way was cleared Wednesday for Pittsburgh Pirates veteran pitcher Chris Archer to make his first start since April 26 when he was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Archer, who had right thumb irritation, was scheduled to start the third and final game of the Pirates’ series in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.

During his most recent start, Archer (1-2) allowed six hits (two homers), six runs (all earned) and three walks in four innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has an ERA of 4.33 and WHIP of 1.296 this season.

To make room for Archer, the Pirates optioned right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes to Triple-A Indianapolis. Holmes appeared in two games for the Pirates on Thursday in St. Louis and Monday in Arizona. He surrendered four hits (one homer), four runs (three earned) and four walks while striking out four in four innings.

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