"It was a rare sight Friday morning when right-hander Jose Ascanio put on a Pirates uniform and threw off the bullpen mound. In the 19 months since he was acquired via trade, Ascanio, 25, has made only five outings with the Pirates and in the minors, slowly recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery in October 2009. "He's out of (minor league) options, so this is a big spring for him," general manager Neal Huntington said. If Ascanio doesn't make the team, the Pirates could lose him through waivers. He's among at least seven players who are in the mix for three remaining bullpen jobs. Ascanio's spring debut was delayed because of visa problems in his native Venezuela. After checking into camp yesterday, he participated in a full workout, including a bullpen session. "I've got to see consistency in his delivery and his arm strength," pitching coach Ray Searage said. "Those are my first two concerns. Once I see that, we'll get him fine-tuned with his pitches and his command."" Read more: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_723682.html
