Pirates Unconditionally Release Fernando Nieve

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) - A day after sending pitcher Fernando Nieve to the minors, the Pittsburgh Pirates have unconditionally released him.

The Pirates signed Nieve in the offseason to a minor league contract after playing the 2010 season for the New York Mets.

In spring training, Nieve was 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA. He pitched just 7 1/3 innings and allowed 17 hits and eight earned runs.

Nieve is a high-strikeout, high-walks pitcher averaging 4.1 BB/9 and 6.9 K/9, giving him a 1.7 SO/BB ratio over his four-year career.

In other news and notes from Pirates spring training camp:

Joe Beimel (elbow inflammation) will throw off the mound Thursday and hopes to be ready for opening day. "I wouldn't count myself out for being ready, but I'm not going to do anything stupid, either," Beimel said.
Pirates C Chris Snyder (sore back) will be in the lineup Thursday against Baltimore. Snyder has not played since March 9.
Pirates RHP McDonald is scheduled to start Saturday against the New York Yankees. McDonald has not pitched since March 11.