Pittsburgh, PA -- (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated pitcher Ian Snell from the 15-day disabled in time to start Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Houston Astros.

Snell threw the first 3 2/3 innings and was lifted after a long rain delay. He allowed four hits and a run in the no-decision.

The right-hander was sidelined with medial epicondylitis in his right elbow and hadn't pitched since receiving a no-decision June 22 against Toronto. Snell surrendered four runs on eight hits and four walks with two strikeouts. He was placed on the DL four days later.

Snell, the Pirates opening-day starter, is 3-7 with a 5.84 earned run average this season, with just one win in his last 14 starts.

In a corresponding move, outfielder Steve Pearce was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Pearce was 1-for-3 with a double, seeing action in three games.