Taillon among first round of Pirates' cuts

The Pirates made their first round of Spring Training roster moves on Monday, sending six players -- including top prospect Jameson Taillon -- to the Minors.

Taillon, the No. 16 overall big league prospect according to MLB.com, was reassigned to Minor League camp, along with infielder Matt Hague and catcher Carlos Paulino. Middle infielder Alen Hanson, Pittsburgh's No. 3 prospect, and left-hander Joely Rodriguez were optioned to Double-A Altoona, while right-hander Casey Sadler was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Following the six moves, the Bucs now have 53 players, including 16 non-roster invites, in Major League camp.

Taillon returns to the Minors after making two Grapefruit League appearances this spring. The 22-year-old righty allowed three runs (one earned) off four hits and a walk over 2 2/3 innings, while not recording any strikeouts. He spent the majority of last season with Altoona, going 4-7 with a 3.67 ERA in 20 outings (19 starts) before making six starts with Indianapolis, where he went 1-3 with a 3.89 ERA in six starts.

As for Hanson, the Dominican middle infielder returns to Altoona, where he ended last season. He hit .281 with seven home runs, eight triples and 24 stolen bases in 92 games with Class A Advanced Bradenton before spending his final 35 games in Altoona. With the Curve, Hanson hit .255 with one home run, five triples and six stolen bases.