SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Hague’s bosses insist he did nothing to warrant a demotion to the minors. It was just a numbers game.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made the tough call to option the emerging infielder to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday in order to clear room for starting pitcher Charlie Morton’s return from the disabled list following offseason hip surgery.

Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington says Hague could be back soon. The club has some flexibility considering utilitymen Josh Harrison and Yamaico Navarro each have remaining options.

Hague, who batted .111 with one hit, two RBIs and two strikeouts in nine at-bats, made the opening-day roster with a strong spring and had two starts at first base. In the minors, the plan is for him to work one series at third, then the next at first so he can be a reliable option at both positions.

Hague hit .400 with seven homers and 14 RBIs this spring.