Pirates optioned RHP Virgil Vasquez to Triple-A Indianapolis; reassigned RHP Denny Bautista, RHP Chris Bootcheck, RHP Jason Davis, OF Garrett Jones, OF Jeff Salazar, C Erik Kratz and INF/OF Andy Phillips to minor league camp.
The Pirates kept listing Vasquez as a rotation contender, though he never did anything to deserve being taken seriously. He had a 7.62 ERA and more walks than strikeouts this spring. Davis is the one pitcher here who looked like a real threat to make the team. His exit would seem to suggest that Craig Hansen, Sean Burnett, Evan Meek and Rule-5 pick Donnie Veal are all on the team. Jesse Chavez is also still on the roster, but he'll likely be sent down unless an injury strikes.
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