BRADENTON, Fla. -- Andrew McCutchen walked out of the Pirates' clubhouse yesterday morning with a wide smile.

Probably because, even though he finally was assigned to minor-league camp after an exceptional spring, he has a strong feeling he will be back soon.

Asked if he is ready to play in Pittsburgh now, he did not hesitate: "I think I am. Right now. I believe I am, and I think I showed this spring that I can handle this level."

Asked how he did: "I thought it was terrific."

No one would dispute that.

McCutchen, 20, cemented his status as the franchise's most promising prospect this decade by batting .308 -- 16 for 52 -- with a home run, three RBIs and a steal. And he was nothing less than sensational in the outfield.

"The defense stood out," general manager Dave Littlefield said.

Despite that, in somewhat of a surprise, the Pirates decided to send McCutchen to Class AA Altoona after giving serious consideration to having him start the season with Class AAA Indianapolis.

Littlefield explained that, because McCutchen has spent only 25 games above Class A -- all with Altoona at the end of last season -- the team felt that level was the better choice.

"I just think it makes sense," Littlefield said. "He spent a short time there last year. It's a very good environment, and he'll be comfortable having already been there. It will be his second full season in the minors. He'll start there, and we'll take it from there."

It is possible, some in the organization say, that McCutchen will be in Altoona no longer than two months if he does well.

McCutchen showed no disappointment.

"That was my mind-set coming in," he said of being assigned to the Curve. "I've just got to get revved up for the season, and we'll see what happens from there."

Two other players, reliever Jim Brower and infielder Yurendell DeCaster, were assigned to Indianapolis, leaving 35 players in camp. More cuts are likely today and tomorrow.

Torres gone wild

Closer Salomon Torres, pitching on five days' rest, showed plenty of rust in a horrific ninth inning in the Pirates' 12-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays yesterday at McKechnie Field.

He failed to retire any of his first five batters, giving up a hit batsman, a double and three consecutive walks for two runs. He struck out Shawn Riggans for his first out, then was lifted with the bases loaded.

Franquelis Osoria relieved and gave up two more runs, both charged to Torres.

Torres' spring ERA is 14.21, but the lack of command was new. He had only one walk in his first six appearances.

"If he's going to struggle, let it be today and not a week from now," manager Jim Tracy said.

Other game highlights

Jose Castillo and Ryan Doumit each had two-run doubles to account for the Pirates' offense.

Brad Eldred, starting in right field a second consecutive day, went 0 for 4 with strikeouts in his final three at-bats.

Buried treasure

With Juan Perez set to replace injured John Grabow in the bullpen, the Pirates have narrowed their field to three right-handers -- Dan Kolb, Josh Sharpless and Jonah Bayliss -- for two bullpen vacancies.

Center fielder Chris Duffy returned after missing two days to a stiff neck.

Paul Maholm will make just his third Grapefruit League start today, against the Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Towers at McKechnie Field.