Pirates Relieve Derek Shelton Of Duties As Pittsburgh Manager

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Thursday that they relieved Derek Shelton of his duties as manager.

“Derek worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot over five-plus years. His family became a big part of the Pirates family, and we will miss that,” general manager Ben Cherington said in a press release. “He’s an incredibly smart, curious and driven baseball leader. I believe he was the right person for the job when he was hired. I also believe that a change is now necessary. I wish Derek and his family all the best in their next chapter.”

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting added: “Derek is a good man who did a lot for the Pirates and Pittsburgh, but it was time for a change. The first quarter of the season has been frustrating and painful for all of us. We have to do better. I know that. Ben knows that. Our coaches know that. Our players know that.

“There is a lot of baseball left to be played. We need to act with a sense of urgency and take the steps necessary tofix this now to get back on track as a team and organization.”

The Pirates went 12-26 to start the season and were last in the National League Central when they announced the manager decision. Pittsburgh named bench coach Don Kelly as manager.

“I believe strongly Donnie is the right person to manage the team right now,” Cherington said. “He has the skills and experience needed to do this job really well and deeply cares about the Pirates and Pittsburgh. I look forward to working with him even more closely.”

Nutting added: “Donnie is as respected as any person in our clubhouse and throughout our organization. He is a Pirate. He bleeds black and gold. No one is more committed, and no one loves this team or city more than Donnie. He is the right person to manage our team and help get us back on track.”

Kelly joined the Pirates as bench coach the same season Pittsburgh named Shelton manager in 2020. Kelly began his MLB playing career with his hometown Pirates and played his final MLB season in 2016 with the Miami Marlins.

The former big leaguer’s managerial career will begin Friday when the Bucs play the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park.