The Pirates optioned seven players to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, including former first-round draft choices Cole Tucker and Ke’Bryan Hayes.

Tucker, who was drafted from high school in 2014, spent part of last season with the Pirates, but he hit only .211 in 56 games and was mainly the backup to starting shortstop Kevin Newman.

Hayes, a supplemental draft selection and the 32nd overall pick in 2015, has been considered the Pirates’ next third baseman. But his bat never has matched his exemplary glove. He never has played in the major leagues.

Hayes was competing for playing time with Colin Moran, who drove in 80 runs last season.

Also optioned to Indianapolis were outfielder Jason Martin and pitchers Geoff Hartlieb, Sam Howard, Yacksel Rios and Edgar Santana.

Martin, who had offseason shoulder surgery, was part of the Pirates’ return when they traded Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros in 2018. He hit .250 in 20 games for the Pirates last season.

Santana missed last season after Tommy John surgery, and Howard was acquired from the Colorado Rockies in the offseason.

Hartlieb pitched 29 games in relief, with a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. Rios, who started last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, appeared in relief in 10 games for the Pirates, posting a 5.23 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.

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