Leroux optioned to AAA; Roster appears set

The Pirates optioned Right-hand pitcher Chris Leroux to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.

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

Pitching coach Ray Searage told Mike Radano of MLB.com, “He has a nasty fastball that hits 95. [Leroux] is young and has great stuff. All he needs to work on is his consistency, and then he can really help us.”

The Pirates still have to make a few DL assignments official, and Veteran Jose Veras needs to be added to the 40-man roster, but the roster appears complete.

Here is what the roster will look like for opening day 2011:

Pitchers:

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

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

Players:

Catchers: Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo

Infielders: Lyle Overbay, Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez, Ronny Cedeno, Josh Rodriguez, Steve Pearce

Outfielders: Jose Tabata, Andrew McCutchen, Matt Diaz, Garrett Jones, John Bowker