BRADENTON, Fla. — Andrew Lambo faced a tall task this spring. He had to continue his crash-course reintroduction to first base, he had to fight for a position on the active roster and he had to prevent one from influencing the other.

Lambo struggled at the plate and was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis on Tuesday, clarifying the Pirates’ plans for first base. Non-roster invitee Travis Ishikawa will make the active roster and back up Gaby Sanchez.

The Pirates had Lambo, 25, work at first base in winter ball and spring training in hopes that the left-handed batter could complement the right-handed Sanchez. Lambo had four hits in 42 at-bats this spring, none for extra bases.