The Pittsburgh Pirates activated closer Keone Kela for tonight’s game in Cincinnati. To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Miguel Del Pozo had been designated for assignment.
Kela has been out since the start of Spring Training 2.0 due to COVID-19. He made 32 appearances for the Pirates last year, posting a 2.12 ERA in 29.2 innings, with 33 strikeouts, a 1.01 WHIP and one save. He has 28 career saves in five seasons. Manager Derek Shelton said that Kela will close this season.
Del Pozo made five appearances with the Pirates this season, allowing seven runs in 3.2 innings. The 27-year-old southpaw has a 12.46 ERA in 13 innings over 22 big league appearances.
Kela is likely auditioning for the trade deadline, which is only 18 days away now. If he’s not traded, then he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. So you should expect him to see plenty of work this month, even in non-save situations.
