Left-hander Steven Brault was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on today , taking him out of the race for the final open spot in the Pirates’ starting rotation.

Infielder Gift Ngoepe also was sent to Indy. Right-hander Josh Lindblom and infielder Jason Rogers were reassigned to minor league camp.

The optioning of Brault assures the Pirates will not have a left hand pitcher in the starting  rotation to start the season this year barring any trades before opening day.