Bucs prospects Newman, Kramer reassigned

TAMPA, Fla. -- Kevin Newman and Kevin Kramer may one day share the Pirates' middle infield, but for now, they're back in Minor League camp.
Pittsburgh made its third round of Spring Training roster cuts on Thursday morning, sending Newman, Kramer and right-handers Yeudy Garcia and Alex McRae across town to the club's Pirate City complex. Officially, all four were reassigned to Minor League camp since they do not occupy spots on the club's 40-man roster.
Newman, 24, was the Pirates' first-round Draft pick in 2015. He is rated as the team's No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline and should begin the season in Triple-A Indianapolis, where he finished last year. Newman hit .267/.311/.363 in 122 games between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A last season.
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Newman went 5-for-19 with two doubles this spring. A shortstop throughout his professional career, he split time between his usual position and second base to improve his versatility. He could be ready to make his Major League debut this summer.
"You can always improve everywhere. There's no part of my game that's good enough to say I'm complacent with it," Newman said earlier this spring. "Getting to that next level, it was nice to see the competition that comes with Triple-A. Everything can get better -- baserunning, hitting, defense, it can all improve."

Kramer, taken a round after Newman in the 2015 Draft, showcased his offensive improvements and defensive versatility in his first big league Spring Training. The 24-year-old lefty hitter, the Bucs' No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, went 5-for-16 -- with all five hits going for extra bases -- and drew five walks while striking out seven times.
After spending most of his pro career at second base, Kramer returned to shortstop in the Arizona Fall League and spent time at both spots this spring.
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"It's nice to have that versatility again. I've played all over the field," Kramer said. "It's nice to be able to do both and show them that I can, and they can rely on me if they need me to be that guy."
Garcia, 25, allowed one run on three hits with a pair of walks and strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings over four relief appearances this spring. He put up a 5.25 ERA over 29 appearances (11 starts) in Double-A last season.
The 24-year-old McRae pitched in five Grapefruit League games and started once, replacing Tyler Glasnow on Monday at LECOM Park. Overall, he allowed four runs in 7 1/3 innings with two walks and seven strikeouts. McRae spent most of last season as a starter in Altoona, recording a 3.61 ERA in 149 2/3 innings.