Derek Shelton told reporters Wednesday night that the Pirates' closer, Keone Kela, has not yet been on the field for summer camp at PNC Park.
They had their first player opt out of the season. Right-handed pitcher Hector Noesi did so, citing family reasons. Noesi, 33, signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training this winter and was one of eight non-roster players who was invited to camp.
Kela, 27, was named the Pirates' closer in February. The right-hander is entering his final year of team control.
Shelton previously had said all the players they expected to be in Pittsburgh had reported, which would include Kela.
MLB teams will not reveal any details about players' health information unless that player consents. The league has recently had trouble giving COVID-19 test results back in a timely matter.
The Pirates have had two players consent to share their positive COVID-19 tests: Right-hander Blake Cederlind and outfielder Socrates Brito. Both are isolated.
Shelton said he is not concerned that Kela hasn't performed yet, in the context Kela will only need to pitch one inning in games and wouldn't require as much time to prepare as a starting pitcher.
"I’m not worried about that in the least bit," Shelton said.
Noesi went 0-3 with an 8.46 ERA last year, splitting time between the Marlins' bullpen and rotation. He allowed four runs in five innings during spring training. He has not had much success in the majors, but he was one of the best pitchers in the Korean Baseball Organization from 2016-2018.
The Pirates currently have 39 players in their Pittsburgh summer camp. Shelton said there are currently no plans to replace Noesi on the roster, but, "that’s not to say that in the coming days we are not going to fill it."
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