Keone Kela will return to the Pirates and be available to pitch in Wednesday night’s game against the Cardinals at PNC Park.
Clint Hurdle confirmed that prior to Tuesday night’s Pirates-Cardinals game. Kela was suspended by the team for two games Monday for what the Pirates said was for being “in violation of his Uniform Player’s Contract.”
Hurdle declined to comment on Kela’s suspension, saying the matter is being handled internally.
Almost lost in the suspension news is that Kela was activated from the 60-day injured list Monday. He has been out since May 6 with right shoulder inflammation.
Hurdle said that he will likely use Kela initially in low-leverage situations. Kela has not thrown off a mound since last Friday when he threw what was described as a vigorous bullpen session. That came after he made three relief appearances on a rehab assignment with Class AAA Indianapolis.
Kela has pitched in 14 games for the Pirates this season, going 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA.
