BRADENTON, Fla. -- Left-handers Sean Burnett and Tom Gorzelanny, two of the Pirates' top prospects, were optioned to AAA among 11 roster cuts today -- leaving four pitchers competing for the final two spots in the season-opening rotation.

Also sent down to Indianapolis was first baseman Brad Eldred, who hit 12 homers in 190 at-bats with the Pirates late last season. The Pirates traded for first baseman Sean Casey partly so the 25-year-old Eldred could get more time in the minors after hitting 40 homers but striking out 159 times in 469 at-bats in AA, AAA and the majors last season.

"All these guys are going to get an opportunity this year at some point," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "I just think we need to give the innings now to the guys who are closer to getting to the big leagues."

Also optioned to AAA were outfielder Rajai Davis and infielder Yurendell DeCaster. Reassigned to the minor league camp were six non-roster players: right-handers Matt Whiteside, Ron Chiavacci and Nerio Rodriguez, catcher Carlos Maldonado, and infielders Gookie Dawkins and Jason Alfaro.

The pitching moves leave rookie right-hander Ian Snell, non-roster right-handers Brandon Duckworth and Victor Santos, and right-hander Ryan Vogelsong in the running to join left-handers Zach Duke, Paul Maholm and Oliver Perez in one of baseball's youngest rotations.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.