Jeff Karstens (0-1, 4.50 ERA) appears to be finally on the mend after making just three starts this season. Karstens who last took the mound with the Pirates on April 17th, threw seven effective innings in a rehab assignment start tonight for Double-A Altoona. Karstens went seven innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 earned run, striking out 5 and walking 1. Karstens threw 59 strikes on 78 pitches. The Pirates remain hopeful that Karstens will come off the DL around July 1.