The Pittsburgh Pirates today optioned starting pitcher Kevin Hart to Triple-A Indianapolis. Hart was among 8 cuts made by the team today.
Hart who was the clear front runner for the No. 5 spot in the rotation struggled mightily in camp and lost the No. 5 spot to rookie pitcher Daniel McCutchen.
Pirates management which made it known during the early stages of spring training that they wanted Hart to be their No. 5 pitcher are trying to downplay Hart not winning the No. 5 job.
There's going to be a lot made that he lost the fifth starter job, Pirates GM Neal Huntington said this morning. "The reality is this is April 11, we've got one start between now and April 24 when our fifth starter will be used."
"Kevin Hart has some work to do and we're excited about the potential. We love the stuff. He didn't pitch well this Spring Training, and as of now Daniel McCutchen outpitched him and will be our starter for April 11."
The Pirates rotation is now set with Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Zach Duke, Charlie Morton and Daniel McCutchen.
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