The Pittsburgh Pirates made a bullpen change after Monday’s 8-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers, optioning right-handed reliever Isaac Mattson to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalling right-hander Antwone Kelly.
The move comes as Pittsburgh manages a heavily taxed pitching staff during the middle of August. Mattson worked two innings in the loss, allowing two hits, two walks and one earned run while throwing 41 pitches.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the move on X as the Pirates prepare for the rest of their interleague series against Detroit. Kelly now returns to provide another fresh arm for the bullpen.
Mattson leaves the major league roster carrying a 4.91 ERA and 1.58 WHIP across 36.2 innings this season. His recent workload appears to have made the roster adjustment particularly important as Pittsburgh tries to preserve its available relief options.
Kelly, meanwhile, brings a younger arm back to Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old right-hander has posted a 6.14 ERA, four strikeouts and a 1.63 WHIP over 7.1 major league innings this season and can provide multi-inning or middle-relief coverage.
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The bullpen move also comes as Pittsburgh deals with several important roster absences. Mitch Keller is out for the remainder of the season, while prospect Konnor Griffin remains sidelined with a fractured finger and Ryan O’Hearn is dealing with a quad strain.
Oneil Cruz was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday, giving the Pirates an important offensive boost. At 61-66, Pittsburgh sits fourth in the NL Central and 6.5 games behind the final Wild Card position, leaving little room for missed opportunities down the stretch.
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