Pirates demote pitching prospect Alderson; re-acquire Bixler

The Pittsburgh Pirates today re-acquired shortstop Brian Bixler from the Cleveland Indians in-exchange for cash considerations.

Bixler, 27, was selected by the Pirates in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft. Once considered the Pirates top shortstop prospect in their system, the 27 year old infielder has failed to make any impact at the MLB level and has spent most of his career in the minor leagues.

Bixler was batting .278 with 3 home runs and 27 RBI's in 64 games this season with Triple-A Columbus, the Cleveland Indians top minor league affiliate. Bixler appeared in 18 games with the Pirates in 2009, batting .227 before being traded to Cleveland this past off-season.

Bixler has been assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, the Pirates made two roster moves involving two of their top pitching prospects.