Right-hander Masumi Kuwata (sprained right ankle) will remain in extended spring training until he is ready to report to Triple-A Indianapolis. Kuwata will be on crutches for another week and will be out of action for 4-6 weeks. Kuwata, who will turn 39 on Sunday, isn’t deterred by the injury or by starting out in the minors.

“I don’t care,” Kuwata said. “I have confidence. I want to pitch in the major leagues.” &#149 Shortstop Javier Guzman was dropped from the 40-man roster, cleared waivers and signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates. He will begin the season at Double-A Altoona. That leaves two open spots on the 40-man roster, which will be filled by non-roster invitees in camp, such as Dan Kolb or Luis Matos. &#149 Jose Castillo had two hits and a walk Wednesday against Cincinnati, raising his spring batting average to .308. Castillo will start Opening Day at second base if, as expected, Freddy Sanchez is unable play. &#149 Right-hander Clayton Hamilton, a Blackhawk High School and Penn State alum, was among the minor-leaguers called up to fill out the roster for yesterday’s game. Hamilton, of Beaver Falls, joined the Pirates in 2005 from San Diego as the player to be named in the Bobby Hill trade. &#149 The Pirates will play host to Philadelphia at 1:05 p.m. today. Shawn Chacon will start against Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ. Ian Snell will start a minor-league game

Digits 202 – Strikeouts by Pirates pitchers this spring — the most among all National League teams. 12 – RBI knocked in by catcher Humberto Cota in 13 games this spring. – By Rob Biertempfel

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