PITTSBURGH — Outfielder Chris Duffy, unhappy the Pittsburgh Pirates tried to alter his hitting approach after a successful rookie season, was placed on the minor league restricted list Thursday after failing to report to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Duffy, who hit .341 in 39 games as a rookie last season, began the season as the Pirates' starting center fielder but lost his job to Nate McLouth after hitting .194 in 32 games.

Despite his slow start, the 26-year-old Duffy was upset with his demotion and argued his position during a one-hour meeting with manager Jim Tracy and general manager Dave Littlefield following an 8-2 Pirates loss Sunday to Florida.

"There was definitely some stuff I needed to get off my chest," Duffy said.