Blue Jays-Pirates, fourth inning

Both teams went down quietly in the fourth, and Duke has returned to the mound for another frame.
The Pirates optioned outfielder Steve Pearce to Triple-A Indianapolis today. Although he leads the team with four home runs and 10 RBIs, the team wants him to work on his hitting approach and defense while getting to play every day.
Also optioned were shortstop Brian Bixler and pitchers Bryan Bullington and Ty Taubenheim.
You had to feel for Bullington, the 2002 overall No. 1 draft choice. After missing all of 2006 following right shoulder surgery and going 11-9 in Indianapolis last season (0-3 in Pittsburgh, in five late-season appearances), he has allowed eight earned runs in eight innings.
You wonder if his window of opportunity is closing.