Mike Crotta makes the Bucs 25-man roster

Dejan Kovaceivc of the Post Gazette reports that Right-hander Mike Crotta will make the 25-man roster. The Pirates have not yet made the announcement.

With that move, Right-hander Chris Leroux looks to be the odd man out unless James McDonald isn’t healthy enough to start with the team or they decide to not use Garrett Olson (the only lefty). 

Crotta, a 26-year-old right-hander, spent the 2010 season with both Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis where he went 7-10 with a 4.42 ERA in 28 starts (156.2 innings) combined.

Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com after just two appearances this spring, “He’s definitely got the attention of some people. He’s pitching with purpose.”

Crotta has allowed just three runs (two earned) over 12.1 innings with two walks and four strikeouts.

Leroux allowed five runs on 13 hits over 10.2 innings with three walks and five strikeouts this spring.

Leroux told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com recently, “I’ve been working on a lot on my mechanics, [which are] almost totally different than I used to be when I came into camp. I’m working on following through. I tend to come up when I finish, and that leaves the ball up sometimes. My front step, I need to keep my front side closed, and it’s just a bunch of different things. My mind’s racing a mile a minute when I’m out there.”

“I always like to think that I have a chance of making it. But now with all my mechanical changes, I realize that it’s going to be a process.”

Nothing is official just yet, but the pitching staff for 2011 would look as follows:

Starters: Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton, James McDonald

Bullpen: Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop, Jose Veras, Garrett Olson, Mike Crotta

*Photo Credit: Yahoo!Sports