PITTSBURGH — The Pirates designated infielder Ramon Vazquez for assignment, a move that could cost them as much as $2 million.

The Pirates have 10 days to trade, release or waive Vazquez, who signed a $4 million, two-year contract before hitting .230 last season. Any major league team that acquires Vazquez and keeps him all season would pay no more than the minimum salary of $400,000, with the Pirates paying the rest.

Outfielder Steve Pearce was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates also purchased the contracts of relievers D.J. Carrasco and Jack Taschner from Indianapolis.

The moves mean Rule 5 outfielder John Raynor made the club despite hitting .229 this spring. Also kept was right-handed reliever Hayden Penn, who was claimed off waivers from Florida last week.