Wilber Dotel (lat) began a minor league rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona on Saturday.

The 23-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since June 13 with a right lat strain. He’s only expected to need a couple of tune-ups in the minor leagues before he’s cleared to return. On the season, Dotel holds a 5.89 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and a 19/9 K.BB ratio over 18 1/3 innings with the Pirates.