The Pittsburgh Pirates made more expected roster moves on Thursday as they continue to work their way to the 25-man limit that all teams need to be at by Opening Day.
RHP Collin Balester – reassigned to minor league camp
LHP Jeremy Bleich – reassigned to minor league camp
OF Willy Garcia – optioned to Altoona
INF Gift Ngoepe – reassigned to minor league camp
OF Mel Rojas, Jr. – reassigned to minor league camp
INF Alen Hanson – optioned to Indianapolis
Hanson batted .400 (4-for-10) in seven Grapefruit League games for the Pirates while stealing two bases. He will begin the year in AAA and could be an emergency option if he can show he is able to handle the next level in the minors without any problems.
RHP Casey Sadler – optioned to Indianapolis
Sadler had been an outside candidate to make the opening day roster in the bullpen, but struggled in his time at Major League spring training allowing four runs (three earned) and six hits in 8 1/3 innings while walking two and striking out eight.
This doesn’t rule out the possibility of Sadler getting the call later in the season as he does have Major League experience throwing 10 1/3 innings with the Pirates last season.
RHP Jameson Taillon – optioned to Indianapolis
Taillon got his expected option to AAA after allowing three runs (one earned) in 2 2/3 innings while allowing a walk. It is unlikely that he will see any time with the Pirates this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery last year.
There are now a total of 49 active players in Major League camp (23 pitchers, 6 catchers, 13 infielders and 7 outfielders), including 14 non-roster invitees (6 pitchers, 2 catchers, 4 infielders and 2 outfielders).
(Photo Credit: Gene J. Puskar)
