Pirates Fire Derek Shelton After 12-26 Start, Don Kelly Takes Over Amid Seven-Game Losing Streak

25 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 9, 2025, 11:24 PM

The Pittsburgh Pirates have fired manager Derek Shelton after 38 games into the 2025 season, following a 12-26 record and a seven-game losing streak. Shelton, who had been with the Pirates for five-plus seasons, amassed a record of 306-440 during his tenure. The decision marks the earliest managerial change in a season for the Pirates since 1899, with the team currently in last place in the National League Central.

Bench coach Don Kelly, a Pittsburgh native and former major leaguer, has been appointed as the new manager. General Manager Ben Cherington expressed confidence in Kelly's ability to lead the Pirates forward, citing his skills and deep connection to the team and city. The change comes amidst a challenging period for the team, which has struggled offensively despite the presence of promising talents like Paul Skenes, who has a 2.77 ERA this season.

Owner Bob Nutting described the first quarter of the season as 'frustrating and painful,' leading to the managerial shakeup. The Pirates hope that Kelly's appointment will inject new energy into the team as they look to turn around their fortunes.

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#Pittsburgh Pirates #Derek Shelton #Shelton #Pirates #National League Central #Don Kelly #Pittsburgh #Ben Cherington #Kelly #Paul Skenes #Bob Nutting

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Sources

post-gazette.com(4)cbsnews.com(2)si.com foxsports.com

Sports Illustrated

@SInow

Paul Skenes had a blunt reaction to the Pirates firing manager Derek Shelton amid the team's 12-26 start https://t.co/Q1GOmxSqzx

Noah Hiles

@_NoahHiles

Don Kelly grew up trick-or-treating at Jim Leyland's house. He is now following the Hall of Famer's footsteps by becoming the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. My story from his first media availability as the club's skipper: https://t.co/j7TIUUhLNY