PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that left-handers Brian Burres, Aaron Thompson, right-hander Kevin Hart and infielders Steve Pearce and Brandon Wood have been outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Burres made two starts (five appearances) with Pittsburgh this season where he allowed six runs on 12 hits over 14.0 innings with four walks and 10 strikeouts. All Burres’ starts came after being recalled from Triple-A in September. Burres went 5-9 with a 4.66 ERA in 23 starts (25 appearances) with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2011.
Thompson started the season with Double-A Altoona before advancing to Triple-A Indy and Pittsburgh, where he made his Major League debut against the National League Central Division Champion Milwaukee Brewers. Thompson made four appearances (one start) with the Pirates where he allowed six runs on 13 hits over 7.2 innings with six walks and one strikeout. Combined with Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indy this season, Thompson went 5-7 with a 4.73 ERA in 33 appearances (16 starts).
Hart underwent arthroscopic surgery in August, marking his second straight year of having season-ending surgery. Hart threw his first live batting practice session since 2010 at PNC Park in early May, but his arm was shutdown in June. Hart hasn’t pitched in the majors since September 29th, 2009 against the Chicago Cubs.
Pearce, who was eligible for super-two status, had a frustrating 2011 season after landing on the disabled list twice with a calf injury and a broken finger. Pearce batted .202 with one homer, two doubles and seven RBI in 50 games with the Pirates this season. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 8th round of the 2005 draft.
Wood was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in April. The former first round pick batted .220 in 99 games with nine doubles, seven home runs and 31 games with Pittsburgh.
The players also have the option to declare free agency. Burres, Hart, Pearce and Wood are now off the 40-man roster. The Pirates can use the vacant spots in the roster for potential free agent signings or to add prospects who are Rule-5 eligible. The club has not ruled out bringing back any of the players for a minor-league contract.
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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