Pirates sent RHP Kevin Hart outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Hart, 28, hasn't thrown a pitch in the big leagues since 2009 due to multiple shoulder surgeries. He can opt for free agency.

Kevin Hart underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday.

Hart hasn't thrown a professional pitch since undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum last May. The 28-year-old right-hander is expected to be ready for spring training next season, though the Pirates likely aren't counting on him.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) was told by Dr. James Andrews to stop throwing for a month and focus on strengthening his arm.

Hart is currently working his way back from May 2010 shoulder surgery. He was recently pitching in extended spring training, but the Pirates weren't encouraged by his progress. The 28-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched in the majors since September of 2009.

Kevin Hart will visit Dr. James Andrews this week to try to find out why he's not progressing in his throwing program as expected.

Hart, who is coming back from right shoulder surgery, has been pitching in extended spring training games but has yet to rebuild his arm strength. The Pirates had expected him to begin pitching competitively sometime in June, but that appears to be out the window. We'll know more about his status after his visit with Dr. Andrews.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) has been pitching in simulated games in extended spring training.

There's no timetable for when Hart might be assigned to a minor league affiliate to continue his rehab from shoulder surgery. You shouldn't expect to see him before the second half.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) threw off the mound at PNC Park Thursday.

It's a significant step in his comeback from shoulder surgery. Hart missed the entire 2010 season after the surgery and the timetable for his return to the Pirates is still up in the air at this point.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) worked out Tuesday with the Pirates in Florida.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington wanted the organization's major league staff to evaluate Hart's progress. The 28-year-old right-hander missed the entire 2010 season following shoulder surgery.

Pirates placed RHP Kevin Hart on the 60-day disabled list with a sore throwing shoulder.

The move will open a spot on the Bucs' 40-man roster for Garret Olson, who was claimed off waivers from the Mariners on Friday morning. Hart isn't expected to be ready for live action until late May due to his ongoing recovery from shoulder surgery.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) long-tossed during workouts on Tuesday.

Hart recently dealt with some inflammation in his surgically-repaired shoulder, but appears to be back on track after receiving a cortisone shot. "Everyone that I've talked to who had the surgery says it is normal to have this type of issue," said Hart. "They seem to think that it's something that 10 days off could really resolve." Hart remains optimistic that he'll be ready for the start of the season, but he's likely headed for Triple-A Indianapolis even if he's healthy.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) will throw on flat ground Tuesday in Pirates camp.

Hart required a cortisone shot in his shoulder a couple of days ago, which is not the best way to start spring training. The Pirates are hopeful that he will pain free once spring games begin and there's a chance that what he was feeling was simply routine soreness. Hart may be ticketed for Triple-A no matter what.

The Pirates are hopeful that Kevin Hart (shoulder) will be ready by Opening Day.

Hart underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder last May and is still in recovery mode. He threw a bit in January but is sitting idle now at spring camp and it's not known when he might be cleared to resume his throwing program. The right-hander will probably be asked to begin the 2011 season at Triple-A Indianapolis.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) threw off a mound Tuesday in Florida.

It was the right-hander's first time on a mound since he underwent season-ending surgery in May of 2010. He reported no abnormal pain or soreness after the workout and should be good to go by spring training. The Pirates are likely to throw him into the mix for a Triple-A rotation spot.

Kevin Hart (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a throwing program this week.

Hart underwent season-ending surgery in early May of 2010 after posting a 6.75 ERA over five outings at Triple-A Indianapolis. As long as he can avoid setbacks, the right-hander should be ready to go by the start of spring training. But he will probably begin 2011 in the minors anyway.

Kevin Hart will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn right labrum on Tuesday morning.

The surgery will be performed by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. With a timetable of approximately eight to ten months, the Pirates are optimistic that Hart will be ready to pitch by the start of spring training next year.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington acknowledged Sunday that Kevin Hart is likely to need season-ending surgery on his torn right labrum.

Hart is expected to meet with Dr. James Andrews at his Birmingham, Alabama office some time in the next week. The 27-year-old righty was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA over his first five outings (four starts) at Triple-A Indianapolis this season. We may not see him again until the spring of 2011.

Kevin Hart was diagnosed with a labrum tear in his right shoulder.

Hart was placed on the Triple-A disabled list earlier this week with what was thought to be right biceps tendinitis. With today's diagnosis, he's expected to head to Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion next week. Hart was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA over his first five appearances (four starts) with Triple-A Indianapolis.

According to Pirates' player of director development Kyle Stark, right-hander Kevin Hart has been placed on the Triple-A disabled list with what is believed to be right biceps tendinitis.

Hart was a candidate to start for the Pirates last weekend, but they opted to go with Chris Jakubauskas instead. It's unknown how long Hart will be sidelined. The 27-year-old right-hander was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA over his first five appearances (four starts) with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Contrary to earlier reports, Kevin Hart will not start against the Astros on Saturday night.

Hart is pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday night, so he can effectively be scratched off the list. They may very well go with Chris Jakubauskas, who was called up on Friday afternoon.

The Pirates are expected to recall right-hander Kevin Hart to start against the Astros on Saturday.

In turn, Chris Jakubauskas is expected to join the team on Friday as a long reliever. Hart was expected to crack the starting rotation during spring training, however he struggled with his control, ultimately losing out to Daniel McCutchen. Hart posted a 4.35 ERA and 11/6 K/BB ratio over three appearances (two starts) with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Pirates optioned RHP Kevin Hart to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Hart was beat out by the ambitious Daniel McCutchen this spring in his attempt to claim a rotation spot. He'll be the first man recalled if there's an injury to a member of the Bucs' starting five.