Pirates option Morris, call up Mazzaro

Pirates Prospects is reporting that the Pirates have sent Morris down and brought up Mazzaro, who fills the 40-man roster spot left open when the team designated Chris Leroux for assignment. The move is undoubtedly a reaction to the struggles of the starting rotation. With James McDonald failing to get out of the second inning last night and Jonathan Sanchez a severe risk for a quick exit tonight, the team needs to be prepared for a lot of relief innings. Morris and Justin Wilson both figured to be unavailable due to their lengthy outings after McDonald's shelling.

Mazzaro came to the Pirates with the since-departed Clint Robinson from the Royals, who were in the process of giving up on the former top prospect. He finished spring training strongly and had thrown seven scoreless innings for Indianapolis, allowing just three hits and a walk, and fanning nine. Probably more importantly, he hasn't pitched in four days.