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Pirates Change Bullpen After 8-5 Loss to Tigers: Mattson Optioned, Kelly Recalled
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- Pirates Change Bullpen After 8-5 Loss to Tigers: Mattson Optioned, Kelly Recalled
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.
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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.
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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.
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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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.
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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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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
