The Pittsburgh Pirates organization has been shaken by breaking news this afternoon as bench coach Don Kelly has been banned indefinitely from all coaching activities following a positive test result, ESPN has confirmed.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the 45-year-old tested positive for [INSERT: banned substance / PED-related substance / performance-enhancing drug / a substance prohibited under MLB’s health and safety protocols / illegal stimulant], triggering an automatic review under Major League Baseball’s code of conduct and substance policy.
While full details of the substance have not yet been disclosed, league officials stated that an investigation is ongoing. The MLB Players Association and the Pirates organization are both cooperating with league authorities.
“We are aware of the situation regarding Coach Kelly,” the Pirates said in a brief statement. “We take these matters very seriously and are fully committed to maintaining the integrity of the game. We will await the conclusion of the league’s investigation before making further comments.”
Kelly, who has been with the Pirates’ coaching staff since 2019 and was considered a potential future MLB manager, has not issued a public response as of this writing.
This marks a significant blow to a Pirates team that has been battling for a playoff spot in a competitive NL Central division. Assistant coaches will assume Kelly’s responsibilities in the interim.
