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Pirates Add Young Pitching Help Before MLB Draft
Jun 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Antwone Kelly (62) pitches during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins to make his major league debut at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pirates Add Young Pitching Help Before MLB Draft

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI
By Noah Strackbein  |  Last updated Jul 10, 2026 8:53 AM ET
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates are adding reinforcements as they try to keep their National League Wild Card hopes alive heading into the MLB Draft and All-Star weekend. The team has big decisions to make over the coming days, but for now, they're looking inward to add to their bullpen.

According to Pirates insider Alex Stumpf, the Pirates have recalled Antwone Kelly and Thomas Harrington to the MLB, adding their No. 7 and No. 12 overall prospects to their bullpen before the MLB Draft. Kelly has one apperance in 2026, while Harrington will make his season debut in the majors.

This season, Kelly has pitched 17 games with a 4-5 record, 4.85 ERA and 54 strikeouts. Harrington has a 1-5 record over 20 games pitched with a 6.52 ERA and 56 strikeouts. Harrington's MLB record is 0-1 in three games with a 15.58 ERA. Kelly's ERA in the majors is 7.71 in one start.

The Pirates desperately need pitching help, but their answers may not be as easy as calling up two top prospects. Making a move before the trade deadline seems to be the biggest talk of the city, and maybe the most likely outcome as well. They're starting with Harrington and Kelly, though.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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