Polanco optioned to Class AAA

BRADENTON, Fla. – Right field at PNC Park will continue its wait for Gregory Polanco, who was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis on Friday by the club to refine his game.

Polanco had an impressive spring in big league camp, but there was never much likelihood he would crack the 25-man roster.

“He’s got the ability to impact the game in a lot of different ways,” said general manager Neal Huntington. “He’s ahead of the curve (but) we’ve still got some work to do but we’re excited about what we believe he can become. Our goal is to put him in a position not to make the major league team but help us win games as we head toward the playoffs.”

Polanco said he was told at the beginning of spring training he would be reassigned to Indy, and was told this morning to log more at-bats and become more seasoned.

“They said go down there and get ready, try to get better, improve every day,” said Polanco. “And the manager told me I want to see you as soon as I can.”

Polanco will play almost exclusively in right field for Indianapolis, said Huntington and gain experience against near ready major league pitchers.

“Whether it’s gained experience facing better change-ups and breaking balls in offensive counts, living away and understanding how to handle that and how to get to the pitch in. There’s a checklist of things to do,” said Huntingon.

Right-handed pitcher Duke Welker was also optioned to Class AAA this morning.