Pirates LHP Beimel won't be ready for opening day

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) - Pittsburgh left-hander Joe Beimel wont' be ready for opening day, leaving the Pirates without their main offseason bullpen acquisition.

Beimel has been hampered much of spring training by injuries to his forearm and elbow. The 33-year-old is healthy and has resumed throwing off a mound, but said Friday that he time to get into game shape.

Beimel will throw a bullpen session Sunday. After that, the team must determine whether he needs to throw another round or two of batting practice, or if he's good to pitch in a game. Then, it's a matter of how many games will it take before he's ready to.

Beimel is in camp on a minor league contract with a major league clause worth $1.75 million.