Kela suspended by Pirates for 2 games

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates initially indicated that they hoped to have Opening Day setup man Keone Kela back in their bullpen on Monday night, but Kela was instead suspended for two games due to a violation of his contract.

Officially, the Bucs recalled Kela from his Minor League rehab assignment, reinstated him from the 60-day injured list and placed him on the suspended list. The reliever began serving his two-game suspension on Monday night, meaning he will be eligible to return on Wednesday.

The Pirates did not elaborate on the cause of Kela’s suspension beyond saying it was “due to violation of his Uniform Player’s Contract.” The club said in a statement it would offer no further comment on the suspension.

A Major League Baseball Players Association spokesman said they are investigating the situation.

Asked about Kela’s status on Monday afternoon, before the suspension was announced, Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said the Bucs were “working through the process of where we are with Keone and the roster” and said that update was “about as clean and black and white as I can share.”

Kela has not pitched for the Pirates since May 4 due to right shoulder inflammation. General manager Neal Huntington said the Bucs received positive reports from Kela’s recent rehab assignment. The 26-year-old right-hander made three appearances for Triple-A Indianapolis and struck out the side on 11 pitches in his most recent Triple-A outing on Thursday.

Kela, the former Rangers closer acquired prior to last year’s July 31 Trade Deadline, rejoined the Pirates at PNC Park on Friday and threw a bullpen session during Friday night’s game. The Bucs gave him two days to rest over the weekend before activating him from the injured list and, ultimately, suspending him.

Kela has made 30 appearances in a Pirates uniform over the last year, recording a 3.67 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 33 strikeouts in 27 innings during that time. He began the season as the Bucs’ primary setup man for closer Felipe Vazquez and figures to reclaim that role if he makes a fully healthy return.

Around the horn

? Left-hander Steven Brault, sidelined by a left shoulder strain, threw a bullpen session on Sunday. He is scheduled to throw a longer bullpen session, simulating two innings, on Wednesday. If all goes well, Brault’s next step would likely be a simulated game while the Pirates are in New York over the weekend.

It is unclear where Brault will fit on the Pirates’ pitching staff when he is ready to return. The lefty posted a 2.04 ERA in seven starts after joining the rotation on May 29, but the Bucs have five healthy starters: Chris Archer, Trevor Williams, Joe Musgrove, Jordan Lyles and surprising rookie Dario Agrazal.

? Class A Advanced Bradenton outfielder Cal Mitchell, the Pirates’ No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was named the Florida State League Player of the Week.

A second-round Draft pick in 2017, Mitchell is slashing .264/.311/.443 with 13 homers and 54 RBIs through 87 games for Bradenton. Mitchell hit a pair of grand slams last week: a walk-off shot on Wednesday and another slam as part of his seven-RBI performance on Sunday.