Pirates Fortify Pitching Staff with Emerging Talent and Returning Ace
Strategic Roster Adjustments for Upcoming Doubleheader
In anticipation of their Saturday, July 18 doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians, the Pirates have announced a series of crucial roster moves. The team has elevated right-handed pitcher Khristian Curtis to the active roster, while simultaneously preparing for the reinstatement of Wilber Dotel from the 15-day injured list prior to the second game. Dotel had been sidelined since June 13 due to a right lat strain, and his return is expected to provide a significant boost to the pitching rotation.
Khristian Curtis: A Rising Star's Ascent to the Major League Roster
Khristian Curtis, a 24-year-old right-hander, has demonstrated impressive form this season. Across 18 appearances, including 16 starts, split between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, Curtis has recorded a 4.96 ERA and tallied 97 strikeouts over 74.1 innings pitched. His selection in the 12th round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pirates has proven fruitful, with MLB Pipeline recognizing him as the team's No. 21 prospect. To create a 40-man roster spot for Curtis, center fielder Oneil Cruz was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Wilber Dotel's Resilient Return from Injury
Prior to his injury, Wilber Dotel had made nine appearances for the Pirates, posting a 1-2 record with a 5.89 ERA. The rookie pitcher initially impressed with a 1.08 ERA in his first seven outings before experiencing a challenging two-game stretch where he allowed 10 runs in 1.2 innings. Following his rehabilitation assignment, which included three relief appearances across Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, Dotel displayed solid recovery, yielding only one run on three hits in 4.2 innings, alongside three walks and seven strikeouts.
Antwone Kelly's Transition to Triple-A
Following Sunday's game against the Brewers, the Pirates opted to send fellow rookie right-hander Antwone Kelly to Triple-A Indianapolis. Kelly had made two appearances for the Pirates this season, during which he allowed five runs on six hits, along with two walks and one strikeout, over 4.1 innings. This move is part of the team's strategic player management, allowing Kelly further development opportunities while accommodating the returning and newly promoted talent.
