PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have removed right-handers Denny Bautista, Chris Bootcheck and Craig Hansen from their 40-man roster by sending them outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Bootcheck elected to enter free agency and will not return to the Pirates' organization.

Hansen last pitched April 19 because of a nerve problem in his upper back and has not resumed throwing.

Bootcheck, a former Angels reliever, had an 11.05 ERA in 13 games with Pittsburgh. Bautista was 0-1 with a 5.27 ERA in 14 games with the Pirates.