Burnett, Reed cut by Pirates

Pittsburgh reached its 25-man roster and finalized its starting rotation.
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates cut their oldest and youngest players on the last day of camp Saturday, completing the 25-man roster and finalizing their starting rotation.
Left-hander Sean Burnett, one of the team's top pitching prospects, was optioned to Class AAA Nashville and right-handed veteran Rick Reed, who broke into the majors with the Pirates in 1988, was reassigned to the minor-league camp.
Vogelsong, Perez named
The final two spots in their starting rotation went to Ryan Vogelsong and struggling left-hander Oliver Perez.
Reed, 39, missed about two weeks because of back problems and was 1-0 with a 5.73 ERA in four starts. He had to leave his start Friday after two innings when he took a line drive off his upper left thigh. The Pirates have asked Reed to go to Nashville and build up innings, but it is not known whether he will accept the assignment.
"We still feel he can pitch, he knows how to pitch and can be an asset to this club," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "At the same time, I have a responsibility to take the guys north that are ready to perform. He's just not ready to do that."
Had Reed been added to the roster, he would have earned $675,000 with a chance to make an additional $325,000 in incentives. He declined to talk about his future Saturday.
Burnett to be back soon
Burnett, 21, was 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA in four games this spring, but he was slowed by tightness in his left shoulder. He has never pitched above Class AA Altoona, but the Pirates don't think he is far away from pitching in their rotation.
"I have a sneaking suspicion he'll be in the big leagues at some point this season," McClendon said.
Burnett was disappointed with the decision but understood the rationale behind it. "To make it to the last day and know there is a flight in a few hours to Pittsburgh is rough," Burnett said. "There's nothing I can do about it, but go down and pitch well."