Yesterday, we announced that Barrett Barnes has been assigned to Extended Spring Training. Today we get word that he has lower body soreness and the move is just precautionary based on his past history with hamstring issues. Barnes is hitting .450 this season with Bradenton. He hasn’t played since Wednesday.
Pitcher Pat Ludwig decided to retire after not making the Altoona Opening Day roster this year. The 2012 10th round draft pick split last season between Bradenton and Altoona, posting a 4.53 ERA in 108 innings. He made 13 starts and 15 relief appearances.
The Pirates originally signed 21 players during the 2012 draft and that number is now down to 12 left in the system, though technically Tyler Gaffney is still a member of the organization. He’s on the restricted list and the Pirates hold his rights as he pursues an NFL career.
One other move from Indianapolis. Catcher Wilkin Castillo has been assigned to the West Virginia Black Bears. He was serving as the backup catcher to Elias Diaz, but Tony Sanchez was recently returned to AAA. Castillo will likely have to wait for an opening at catcher with either Altoona or Indianapolis before he returns to action.
