{"id":241816,"date":"2026-07-12T21:32:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T21:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/241816\/"},"modified":"2026-07-12T21:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T21:32:09","slug":"pirates-send-rookie-pitcher-right-back-to-triple-a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/241816\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Send Rookie Pitcher Right Back to Triple-A"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates are now at the All-Star break, but that doesn’t mean that they’re done making roster moves.<\/p>\n

The Pirates optioned right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly to Triple-A Indianapolis following the series finale vs. the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 12, a 14-5 win<\/a> for the home team.<\/p>\n

Kelly threw two innings of relief in the victory, but gave up a two-run home run and an RBI-double in the eighth inning for three earned runs, while getting no strikeouts and issuing a walk.<\/p>\n

The Pirates did not announce a corresponding move, but will have to do so by their next game, when they take on the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 17.<\/p>\n

Kelly Struggling to Maintain Spot on Pirates<\/p>\n

Kelly had just come back up<\/a> from Indianapolis on July 10 and this marked his second ever MLB outing.<\/p>\n

He earned his first MLB call-up<\/a> on June 12 and he gave up a two-run home run over 2.1 innings in the 8-3 loss to the Miami Marlins at PNC Park.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Antwone Kelly (89) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Kelly has spent most of his season with Indianapolis, where he’s posted a 4-5 record over 12 starts and 17 outings in 2026, with a 4.85 ERA over 68.2 innings pitched, 54 strikeouts to 33 walks, a .262 batting average allowed (BAA) and a 1.50 WHIP.<\/p>\n

He earned a 40-man roster spot in the offseason, as the Pirates protected him from the Rule 5 Draft.<\/p>\n

Kelly needs more time down at Triple-A, as hitters have gotten after him too easily and often at the major league level.<\/p>\n

There’s still a lot of promise from Kelly, but he should use his opportunities down with Indianapolis to improve upon his pitches and become even more polished for his next MLB call-up.<\/p>\n

What Pirates Bullpen Looks Like After All-Star Break<\/p>\n

The Pirates bullpen now features four right-handed pitchers in Isaac Mattson, Carmen Mlodzinski, Yohan Ram\u00edrez and Dennis Santana, plus three left-handed pitchers in the newly acquired Brandon Eisert, Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto. <\/p>\n

Pittsburgh does have an open spot in its bullpen and could go to a number of players that they want to bring up.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Wilber Dotel (66) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Most likely is right-handed pitcher Wilber Dotel<\/a>, who just made his third start on his rehab assignment and first with Indianapolis, throwing 1.2 innings on July 11, and has missed almost a month working back from a right lat injury.<\/p>\n

The Pirates could also go with 40-man roster players in Brandan Bidois, Thomas Harrington, Noah Murdock, Hunter Stratton or Jos\u00e9 Urquidy. <\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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