Pirates Notebook: Bench, Bullpen Battles Coming Into Focus

Richard Rodriguez is one of the four players who was sent down today. Photo Credit: Tim WilliamsBRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates bench battle got a bit clearer on Saturday, as the Pirates optioned outfielder Jordan Luplow to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Luplow, who was sent down along with catcher Jacob Stallings and relievers Tyler Jones and Richard Rodriguez, was the one of three players still in camp battling for the Pirates final bench spot.

Backup catcher Elias Diaz, infielder David Freese, and utilitymen Adam Frazier and Sean Rodriguez have four bench spots locked down. With Luplow’s dismissal, it’ll come down to Bryce Brentz and Jose Osuna for the final spot.

“We’re still working through that,”…