Pirates option righty Hughes to Triple-A

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates optioned right-hander Jared Hughes to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday to make room for A.J. Burnett on the roster.

Hughes tossed three innings in Friday night's 4-1 loss to the Cardinals and gave up four hits and two runs, one earned. He made a total of five appearances this season and was 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA.

"It's been a great opportunity and will continue to be when I get back here," Hughes said. "Right now, it's just whatever is best for the team I'm going to do."

Hughes had been serving as the long man in the Pittsburgh bullpen, and he will likely be back in that role at some point this season.

"It was one of those things where they had to do it, and they want me to come back," Hughes said.