Pirates option pitcher Tom Gorzelanny

PITTSBURGH, March 18 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned former pitching ace Tom Gorzelanny to Indianapolis, their triple-A minor league affiliate.

Following his return from a ligament sprain to his left middle finger that ended his 2008 season prematurely, the left hander struggled in four spring training starts.

He had given up eight runs -- seven earned -- and eight hits (two homers) in nine innings with five walks and four strikeouts.

"He was frustrated," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said on the team's Web site. "He doesn't want to be a minor leaguer. He doesn't quite understand why we've made the decision. We understand. He's a competitor and he wants to be a major league pitcher."

Gorzelanny came to camp to battle for one of two open spots in Pittsburgh's rotation that will be headed by Paul Maholm.

Ian Snell and Zach Duke also likely will be Pittsburgh's starters on Opening Day, April 6 at St. Louis.

Outfielder Jose Tabata was sent to Double-A Altoona.