Bixler

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates swapped infielders with the Indians Monday, sending strikeout-prone Brian Bixler to Cleveland for prospect Jesus Brito.

The 27-year-old Bixler struck out 26 times in 44 at-bats with the Pirates last season. He also has 62 strikeouts and a .178 average in 152 career at-bats.

The 22-year-old Brito hit .353 in 224 at-bats with 19 doubles and 10 triples in rookie ball and at Single-A Mahoning Valley last season.

Bixler, a 2004 second-round draft pick, has been an excellent fielder in the minors, but has 10 errors in 49 major league games at shortstop. Bixler was added to Cleveland's 40-man roster.

Also Monday, right-hander Brendan Donnelly finalized a $1.35 million, one-year contract with the Pirates, giving them another option in its veteran-thin bullpen.

Once one of the majors' top strikeout relievers as a setup man with the Angels, Donnelly has been limited to 45 games the last two seasons since reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007. He was required to pass a physical before the Pirates completed the contract.

The 38-year-old Donnelly, who can earn bonuses based on relief appearances, was 3-0 with two saves and a 1.78 ERA in 30 games with Florida last season.

"Brendan Donnelly is a veteran setup type reliever who brings experience, toughness and determination to our bullpen," general manager Neal Huntington said.

Pittsburgh are without an established closer after allowing Matt Capps to become a free agent. Donnelly is not expected to be a candidate for that job.

While right-handers Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek appear to be the only pitchers set in their bullpen, the Pirates have signed right-handers D.J. Carrasco and Brian Bass to minor league contracts along with left-hander Javier Lopez. Carrasco and Bass were 1-2 among AL relievers in innings pitched last season.