The Pittsburgh Pirates have outrighted left handed pitcher Brian Burres, right handed pitcher Kevin Hart, infielder Brandon Wood, and outfielder Steve Pearce to AAA Indianapolis, according to a team press release. All four players have the option of electing for minor league free agency.
Pearce was eligible for Super Two status, but had trouble staying on the field the last two years. Hart was eligible for a league minimum salary, but also had injury issues, including a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined throughout the off-season. Burres was more of a roster filler/AAA veteran that was only on the 40-man roster to add an extra arm in September. Wood was eligible for arbitration, and I had him pegged as a non-tender candidate in my preview of the 2012 40-man roster.
The Pirates now have five open spots on the 40-man roster, which can be viewed here.
