The Pirates pulled pitcher Ian Snell off the Peoria Saguaros roster Saturday and replaced him with Michael Connolly, a right-handed pitcher who divided his time this season between Triple-A Indianapolis and Double-A Altoona.

The Royals also gave first baseman Justin Huber the early vacation Saturday, and have not yet named a replacement yet to the Surprise Scorpions.

Neither team gave details about the changes, but it was thought fatigue might have played a part in Snell's departure and a minor injury in Huber's. The Pirates were said to have found Snell's innings count high and decided to bring his season to an end. Huber's injury was undisclosed.

Connolly gleaned a 5-6 record and 3.32 ERA with the Altoona Curve in the Eastern League, before struggling to a 2-4 record and 4.42 ERA late in the season with Indianapolis Indians. He was selected in the 19th round (569th overall) in the 2000 draft out of Oneonta High School in Oneonta, N.Y.

Snell is widely considered the second-best pitching prospect in Pittsburgh's organization behind Zach Duke. While with Indianapolis, the 23-year-old hurled a no-hitter against Norfolk on May 15. He picked up an 11-3 record and 3.70 ERA with a mid-90s fastball and a strong curve before being summoned to the Majors for the second straight year.

Huber was deemed Kansas City's Minor League Player of the Year hot on the heels of his Texas League batting crown. He hit .343 with 16 homers and 74 RBIs while with the Witchita Wranglers. After his promotion to Triple-A Omaha, he cranked seven homers in 32 games with Triple-A Omaha. Huber was named MVP of the XM Satellite Futures Game on July 10 at Comerica Park, and ended the season as a September addition to Kansas City's 40-man roster.