Pittsburgh Pirates

Closer Keone Kela hasn’t yet joined Pirates on field

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.

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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.

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