sports📡 ESPNcricinfoJun 12, 2026👁 0 views

Pirates Reportedly Calling Up No. 7 Prospect For MLB Debut

Pirates Reportedly Calling Up No. 7 Prospect For MLB Debut

Pittsburgh Pirates
Tyler MaherFri, June 12, 2026 at 4:43 AM UTC·1 min read

Pirates Reportedly Calling Up No. 7 Prospect For MLB Debut originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been aggressively promoting their top prospects lately, and another one appears ready for the Show.

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According to Pirates reporter Aiden Stepansky, Pittsburgh is reportedly calling up its No. 7 prospect, Antwone Kelly, from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Kelly, a 22-year-old right-hander, pitched for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. He boasts an impressive fastball that often tops 100 mph on the radar gun and ranks as the organization's No. 3 pitching prospect on MLB Pipeline behind Seth Hernandez and Hunter Barco.

That elite velocity has helped him notch 47 strikeouts in 54 innings at Triple-A this season. He's struggled a bit with his control, however, resulting in a 4.0 BB/9 and a 4.50 ERA, so it will be interesting to see how his stuff translates to the Major Leagues.

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After going 1-5 against the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, the Pirates are hoping Kelly can give them a spark. Likely out of the bullpen, where his velocity should play well and help bolster a relief corps that's been one of the worst in baseball lately.

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