Camp roster: The Pirates trimmed 13 players from their major-league spring-training roster yesterday, including left-hander Dan Moskos, their first-round draft pick in June.

"I kind of knew my days were numbered," Moskos said.

Also sent to minor-league camp yesterday morning were right-handed pitchers Jimmy Barthmaier, Ronald Belisario, Oliva Astacio, Romulo Sanchez, Adam Bernero, Yoslan Herrera, Jesse Chavez and Luis Munoz, left-hander Dave Davidson, catcher Miguel Perez and infielder Jose Macias.

Moskos, the fourth pick overall in 2007, pitched just one inning in major-league camp, but figured the cameo was worth it.

"I got a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge from being here," he said. "I think it's a huge advantage being around big-league players and major-league coaches.

General manager Neal Huntington indicated Moskos likely will begin this season at low Class A Hickory, where he'll be in the starting rotation.

After the game yesterday, the Pirates cut a 13th player -- right-handed pitcher Mike Thompson.

The cuts leave the Pirates with 50 players in camp, including 26 pitchers, 4 catchers, 12 infielders and 8 outfielders.

The game: In the Pirates' 8-5 victory against Philadelphia, Ian Snell pitched four solid innings, allowing just two hits. Pat Burrell had both hits, including a long home run in the second.

"It was a fastball down the middle," Snell said. "I wanted to see if he'd take it.

"I stayed relaxed and threw all my pitches for strikes," said Snell. "I'm a totally different pitcher this year. Last year, I was trying to be overpowering. This year, I'm relaxed and just trying to hit my spots."

Right-handed reliever Byung-Hyun Kim, signed as a free agent Feb. 24, made his spring debut, working an inning. Ryan Howard hit his first pitch over the left-field wall, but Kim retired the next three batters.

Strictly business: Snell was one of three players with less than three years of major-league service time whose contracts were renewed yesterday.No salary figure was available. The Pirates also have made a long-term contract offer to Snell, who last season made $408,000.

Zach Duke received a cut from $410,000 to $400,000.

Outfielder Kevin Thompson also was renewed.

Battle lines: Nate McLouth, competing with Nyjer Morgan for the regular center-field job, had two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Injury update: Second baseman Freddy Sanchez said he believes he'll be able to play in the field "in a couple of days." Sanchez has been unable to throw at 100 percent capacity because of lingering effects of September surgery on his right shoulder.

Right-hander Elmer Dessens threw 25 pitches in his second bullpen session yesterday. Dessens has been slowed by back spasms, but might pitch in a game tomorrow or Thursday.

Today: The Pirates have their annual spring training day off, but it won't be a total off-day for Tom Gorzelanny. The left-hander, who pitched Thursday, will throw this morning at McKechnie Field on his usual turn. Gorzelanny will make 45 to 50 pitches to a catcher and batters sent over from minor-league camp.

Countdown to Atlanta: 20 days.