Pirates Cut Pearce, Diaz and Machado

The PBC Blog this morning reports that the Pirates have made three more cuts, leaving 37 players remaining in camp. Outfielder Steve Pearce and catcher Robinzon Diaz were optioned to AAA, while infielder Anderson Machado was reassigned to the minor league camp. Machado really had no chance to make the team this year as a backup infielder, especially with Brian Bixler playing so well. Pearce could have been a nice fit as a reserve outfielder. Though it feels like Pearce has been on the cusp of the majors forever, he probably could use some more seasoning in AAA. Pearce, in his career, has 508 AAA at bats, with an additional 290 at AA. So really he only has less than a season and a half worth of experience at the top 2 minor league levels, and he struggled a bit in AAA last year. Hopefully, Pearce can tear things up in Indianapolis, forcing the team to bring him back up. And lastly, Diaz's demotion means Jason Jaramillo will be the backup catcher to start the year. This decision must have been based entirely on catching skill, and not hitting, as Diaz has hit .423 this Spring, versus Jaramillo's .148. Anyway, I'm sure we'll see Diaz up with the Pirates at some point this season.

In last night's game, the Pirates lost 4-1 to the Blue Jays and Roy Halladay, who is already in mid season form. Virgil Vasquez, who is competing for the last rotation spot, made the start and allowed 3 runs off 5 hits and 3 walks with 1 strike out in 5 2/3 innings.

Today, the Pirates play the Phillies in a game televised by the MLB network. I'll be watching.