Karstens locked up the job Wednesday when right-hander Virgil Vasquez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis — ending a five-week competition in which neither pitcher excelled.

Karstens pitched in seven games, including three starts. He went 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA and allowed 30 hits and eight walks in 23 1-3 innings.

"There's still some stuff I've got to work on, we all know that," said Karstens, who was picked up by the Pirates from the Yankees in July. "They've given me this opportunity and it's my job to run with it. If I don't, I know somebody else is going to be waiting in the wings."

Karstens pitched 7 2-3 perfect innings against Arizona on Aug. 6, then failed to win his final six decisions with the Pirates last season to finish 2-6 with a 4.03 ERA.

Vasquez had a 7.62 ERA in four games this spring, giving up 17 hits and walking six in 13 innings. He will begin the season in Indianapolis' rotation.

"I did what I do," Vasquez said. "I'm not completely happy with the result, but I'm happy they liked what they saw and I'll be one of the guys they look for in the future."

Relievers Jason Davis, Chris Bootcheck and Denny Bautista were reassigned to minor league camp. Infielder Andy Phillips, outfielder Jeff Salazar, utilityman Garrett Jones and catcher Erik Kratz were reassigned, leaving 27 players in the Pirates' camp.

Phillips' departure means Luis Cruz will be a backup infielder, along with Ramon Vazquez. Cruz hit .224 in 22 games with Pittsburgh last season.

Outfielder Craig Monroe, a non-roster player, was told he had made the roster, though the Pirates still must clear a 40-man spot for him.