Thursday, March 29, 2012

Makin' Some Moves...

The Bucs announced that Charlie Morton will start the year on the 15-day DL rather than come north with the team. That allows the team in the short term to add another body to the roster; whether it will be in the bullpen or on the bench hasn't been released by the club yet.

Morton was beat up in his outing today, allowing six runs and eight hits in five frames against the Rays and lasting 75 pitches. He'll be eligible to come back on April 14th, the first day that the Pirates will need a fifth starter this season. That will give Morton some time to rehab in Florida and then pick up a start at Indy before taking the hill for Pittsburgh.

RHP Juan Cruz is expected to be added to the roster tomorrow, and the Bucs will have to trim someone from the 40 man roster to make space. Cruz is the only non roster invitee who looks like he'll break camp with the club.

Finally, RHP Ryota Igarashi, 1B Nick Evans, UT Jake Fox and C Eric Fryer, who had a fairly impressive spring, were sent to minor league camp today for assignment. All are expected to end up at Indy, although Igarashi said he would explore his options.

That leaves 30 players vying for 25 spots. With AJ Burnett and Morton on the DL, its likely that two pitchers and one position player will bite the dust before the weekend.

Other news:
  • The Pirates released 6'-7" 1B Calvin Anderson. In four years since 2008, the big guy never got above High A, and hit 42 HR to go along with 392 K during that span.
  • Josh Rodriguez, the 2011 Rule 5 pick who the Pirates cut yesterday, was signed by the Mets.
  • Some ex-Buccos who were released this week include RHP Ian Snell (LA Dodgers), LHP John Grabow (LA Dodgers), RHP John Van Benschoten (San Diego), 1B Steve Pearce (Minnesota), LHP Joe Beimel (Texas) and  LHP Zack Duke (Houston).

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