The Pirates have designated 32-year old lefty reliever Jack Taschner for assignment. Taschner pitched in 17 games (0 starts) for the Pirates this year and he was 1-0 with a 6.05 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. The Pirates won’t miss him as he was pretty awful this year. The Pirates have also sent 26-year old lefty swinging 1B Jeff Clement to AAA. Clement played in 45 games for the Pirates this year and he was 24 of 127 (.189 avg, .560 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 5 homers and 9 RBIs. He also whiffed 34 times while only walking 6 times as he didn’t seem to have a plan at the plate.

UPDATE: (6/19/2010) - Taschner has refused an outright assignment to the minors ending his days with the Pirates and making him a free agent.