{"id":246717,"date":"2026-07-18T16:05:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T16:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/246717\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T16:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T16:05:09","slug":"pirates-rookie-pitcher-returns-from-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/246717\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Rookie Pitcher Returns From Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates finally have a key member of their bullpen back as they start the second half of the season.<\/p>\n

The Pirates announced they activated right-handed pitcher Wilber Dotel off the 15-day injured list and placed him on the 26-man roster ahead of their doubleheader vs. the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 18.<\/p>\n

Dotel will be ready for the second game of the doubleheader, but won’t pitch in the first one. <\/p>\n

Pittsburgh doesn’t have to option any player, as they already sent fellow right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly to Triple-A Indianapolis back on July 12, with a spot open for Dotel’s return.<\/p>\n

It marks more than a month since Dotel has pitched for the Pirates and they’ll get him back when they need him most.<\/p>\n

Why Pirates Need Dotel Back<\/p>\n

Dotel had a great start to his MLB career with the Pirates this season, with just two earned runs allowed over 16.2 innings pitched for a 1.08 ERA and 17 strikeouts to five walks for a 0.72 WHIP.<\/p>\n

He proved himself a valuable middle relief option, throwing four perfect innings<\/a> vs. the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on April 27, and then throwing three straight outings of three scoreless innings each.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

May 29, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Wilber Dotel (66) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Those outings came in two home wins, 2-1 over the Chicago Cubs on May 25 and 6-5 against the Minnesota Twins on May 29, plus a 10-6 win over the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 2.<\/p>\n

Dotel threw those three scoreless innings between the sixth-and-eighth innings, helping the Pirates secure those victories and take on a heavier workload, as he spent most of his time in the minor leagues as a starter.<\/p>\n

His last two outings did not go to plan, with 10 earned runs allowed over 1.2 innings in two defeats before he went on the injured list.<\/p>\n

Dotel suffered a right lat muscle strain<\/a>, which the Pirates were optimistic about and getting him back just a littel over a month after going on the injured list, back on June 13, shows that they were right about his quick return.<\/p>\n

He did throw three outings on his rehab assignment, twice with Double-A Altoona and most recently with Indianapolis back on July 11, giving him a full week of rest before this outing.<\/p>\n

The Pirates need a healthy Dotel, who can provide quality innings as a bulk or middle reliever<\/a>, a key part of keeping a bullpen well-rested during a long season.<\/p>\n

He can provide the innings they need, along with fellow right-handed pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski<\/a>, and support the starting pitching, while benefitting the higher-leverage pitchers in other situations.<\/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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