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Pirates reduce roster to 49, option two players
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BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates optioned catcher Tony Sanchez and left-handed pitcher Andy Oliver to Class AAA Indianapolis today, shrinking the number of players in major league camp to 49.
Sanchez, 24, was the Pirates' first-round pick and the fourth overall in the 2009 amateur draft. He was a long-shot to make the big league roster this season, considering the Pirates signed Russell Martin to a two-year, $17 million deal and are comfortable with backup Michael McKenry.
Sanchez hit .167 with three RBIs, one home run and one triple in nine games this spring.
The Pirates acquired Oliver, 25, in an off-season trade with the Detroit Tigers. He pitched 2 1/3 innings this spring, accumulating a 15.23 ERA over two appearances.
Oliver will likely pitch in Indianapolis' starting rotation.
First Published March 15, 2013 8:45 am
