WASHINGTON -- Following Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Nationals, the Pirates optioned first baseman Jeff Clement to Triple-A Indianapolis, and pitcher Jack Taschner was designated for assignment.

Clement struggled in 45 games this season, batting only .189 with one home run and seven RBIs. In 19 1/3 innings this year, Taschner was 1-0 with a 6.05 ERA. He also issued eight walks and allowed 22 hits, and he recently came off the disabled list after straining his left hamstring.