Crowe was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.
He didn't fare well in 31 innings with the big club earlier this year (7.26 ERA, 1.77 WHIP), and he logged a single clean inning in his lone appearance at Triple-A on June 8. Typically a starter by trade, perhaps the Pirates are transitioning him into a relief role. However, Mitch Keller was optioned Saturday, so there is a vacant spot in the rotation.