The Pirates made two surprising moves in the minor leagues today, demoting pitching prospect Tim Alderson and reacquiring shortstop Brian Bixler.

Alderson, a 21-year-old right-handed starter and the only player acquired in the Freddy Sanchez trade last summer, was demoted from Class AA Altoona, where he was 7-5 with a 5.62 ERA, to high Class A Bradenton. He lasted only three innings in a start today against Richmond and was charged with six runs, five earned. That made for a total of 15 runs over six innings in his past two starts.

Bixler, 27, was batting .278 with three home runs and 27 RBIs for Class AAA Columbus, and he immediately joined the Pirates' Class AAA affiliate, Indianapolis, with the trade.

Bixler spent 68 games with the Pirates in 2008-09 and struggled immensely in all facets, batting .178 with 62 strikeouts in 152 at-bats. That included 26 strikeouts in 44 at-bats in 2009. He also committed 11 errors in 49 games in the field.

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