Daniel

Moskos

Burnett injured his right eye during a bunting drill Wednesday and was flown to Pittsburgh for an examination. Results aren’t yet known, so the Pirates are just planning ahead.

Moskos allowed just one run over nine innings this spring while striking out nine and walking five, but the Pirates decided to send him down since he has options remaining. Chris Leroux, who is out of options, may have a leg up on the final bullpen spot.

The severity of the injury isn’t yet known. Moskos, 26, has a 4.70 ERA and 6/7 K/BB ratio over 7 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season. The 2007 No. 4 overall pick had a 2.96 ERA and 11/9 K/BB ratio over 24 1/3 innings out of the Buccos’ bullpen last year.

Moskos had been sidelined since early May with left elbow discomfort. He should get another shot with the Pirates eventually.

Moskos has allowed 13 hits, eight walks and six earned runs in 14 innings this season at the Triple-A level. The former No. 4 overall pick seems likely to draw interest on waivers since he’s only 26 years old.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster. The White Sox could replace Moskos with Dan Johnson.

Moskos posted a 2.96 ERA with the Pirates last season but has spent all of 2012 at Triple-A, holding a 3.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 14 innings. He’s been assigned to Triple-A Charlotte.

Moskos had a 4.97 ERA and 1.55 WHIP through 29 innings of relief this year at Triple-A Charlotte. The 27-year-old lefty will presumably look to sign with a new team. He was the fourth overall pick in 2007.

Moskos, a former first-round pick by the Pirates, most recently pitched in Taiwan, but posted a 4.97 ERA in 29 innings with the White Sox’ Triple-A affiliate last year. The agreement includes an invite to spring training.

Moskos, 30, posted a 3.39 ERA and 47/22 K/BB ratio over 61 relief innings at Triple-A in the Padres organization last season. He hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2011.