Pittsburgh Pirates: Keone Kela reinstated from IL, then suspended
On Monday, Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Keone Kela was reinstated from the IL, then one day later was suspended. Here’s what we know.
The Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Keone Kela was just reinstated from the 60-day injured list and then immediately suspended. He was on the injured list since May 6th with right shoulder discomfort.
According to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, he originally had an unstated violation of the Uniform Players Contract. He was then immediately suspended for two games later on.
Even though we don’t know the reasoning, it’s very odd that player would be only suspended two games. It’s also weird that they won’t release why he was suspended in the first place.
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Some fans believe behavioral issues led to his suspension even though nothing has been confirmed.
Apparently, he didn’t do press for spring training and didn’t like that he was traded to Pittsburgh in the first place. However, that doesn’t seem like something that goes against the contract. When he was with the Texas Rangers, he had a clubhouse incident and was demoted before they traded him.
The 26 year old has a 4.63 ERA in 14 games this season and 27 career saves. He also did very well with the Indianapolis Indians in his rehab assignment striking out the side in eleven pitches.
Even though he had shoulder issues most of this season, he was expected to help the Pirates upon his return. Previously he finished the Texas Rangers season with a 2.79 ERA.
As a strong relief pitcher, he could be exactly what the Pittsburgh Pirates need right now. On the other hand, if he is such a problem maybe they should just try to trade him?
I know one thing for sure and that is fans don’t like being in the dark about these kinds of situations. They should at least release to the public why he was suspended.
Would not be surprised if the Pirates traded Keone Kela....something not right with that situation going on
— Uncle Randy (@hoDUERR) July 22, 2019
Next. Epstein and the Cubs are chasing the wrong Tigers. dark
After being suspended for Monday and Tuesday’s games, he will most likely make his return Wednesday against the Cardinals.