Pirates option RHP Hansen to minors

Aug 27, 2008 - 11:42 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned righthander Craig Hansen to Class AAA Indianapolis on Wednesday.

Acquired from the Boston Red Sox at the July 31 trade deadline, Hansen has struggled with the Pirates, allowing nine runs in 10 innings. The 24-year-old allowed four runs without retiring a batter in Tuesday's 14-9 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Taking Hansen's roster spot is righthander Jesse Chavez, whose contract was purchased from Indianapolis.

Chavez has yet to make his major league debut. He was 2-6 with a 3.80 ERA and 14 saves in the minors this season.

The Pirates also transferred lefthander Phil Dumatrait to the 60-day disabled list. Sidelined with a sore left shoulder since July 8, he is 3-4 with a 5.26 ERA in 21 games - 11 starts - this season.