Endy Rodriguez was in the Opening Day starting lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year as a first baseman.
This year, the 25-year-old catcher will start the season in the minors.
The Pirates optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, reducing the roster in their big-league camp to 37 players (36 active).
Rodriguez batted .173 (9 for 52) with four doubles and two RBIs in 18 games in the majors last season, sidelined first for six weeks by a laceration on his right hand then by inflammation in his surgically repaired right elbow.
Rodriguez missed the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
He had a strong spring, hitting .308/.400/.577 with a double, two home runs and six RBIs in 10 Grapefruit League games this spring.
