Pirates to Call Up Antwone Kelly
Jason Shetler
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to call up RHP Antwone Kelly, this according to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR.
Kelly was signed by Pittsburgh during the 2021 international signing period out of Aruba.
After posting a 3.02 ERA combined with High A Greensboro and AA Altoona last year, the Pirates chose to protect Kelly from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster this past offseason.
Kelly entered 2026 as MLB Pipeline’s seventh rated prospect in the Pirates’ organization.
It was a rough start to Kelly’s season, as he registered an ERA of 5.91. The numbers have been much better since; putting up a 3.00 ERA in May and June, while limiting opponents to a .228 batting average against.
The fastball is consistently upper-90’s, with the ability to hit triple-digits. His changeup is his best secondary offering (41.1% whiff rate), when he commands it, and the cutter also plays very well.
Kelly is expected to be in the bullpen. Once he makes his debut, Kelly will become the first pitcher from the country of Aruba to pitch for the Pirates.