PITTSBURGH — The Pirates sent right-hander Jeff Karstens and left-hander Justin Thomas outright to Triple-A Indianapolis after both cleared waivers.

Catcher Robinzon Diaz, designated for assignment along with Thomas and Karstens Nov. 21, has cleared waivers and becomes a minor league free agent.

Karstens, acquired from the Yankees in a 2008 trade, was 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA last season. The Pirates claimed Thomas on waivers from Seattle after the season ended.

The Pirates also agreed to a minor-league contract with left-hander Wil Ledezma and invited him to spring training along with Karstens and Thomas. Ledezma is 15-22 with a 5.17 ERA in 160 major league games with five teams.