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Pirates Reportedly Calling Up No. 7 Prospect For MLB Debut
Pirates Reportedly Calling Up No. 7 Prospect For MLB Debut
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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAccording 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter 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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