Bouknight to join Tribe

Altoona Curve starting pitcher Kip Bouknight was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

The right-hander went 7-3 with a 3.80 ERA in 16 games (14 starts) with the Curve. In 87 2/3 innings, Bouknight allowed 76 hits, walked 22 batters, struck out 43 and held Eastern League batters to a .240 average.

Bouknight is in his first season in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization after being signed as a minor league free agent in November. The 28-year old has pitched at the Triple-A level in each of his previous four seasons, spending time with Colorado Springs (Rockies) and Syracuse (Blue Jays) in 2004 and New Orleans (Nationals) in 2005 and '06.

Bouknight was scheduled to start the Curve's 6:05 PM game Sunday night against the Bowie Baysox at Blair County Ballpark, but his turn in the rotation will be filled by right-hander Justin Vaclavik.

The Curve's active roster currently stands at 23 players.