Don

Kelly

Kelly took over for Derek Shelton on May 9th, and the Pirates immediately became more competitive. They went 59-65 under Kelly, including a 37-25 home record, which was the ninth-best home winning percentage in all of Major League Baseball. Pittsburgh’s 3.59 staff ERA from under Kelly was also the fourth-best mark in the league from May 9th on. “Donnie earned the respect of the players, front office, and our fans – and he has certainly earned mine,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. Perhaps the organization will support Kelly by actually spending some money in free agency to field a playoff team.

Don Kelly will take over as the interim manager. Shelton had managed the Pirates to a 12-26 record, and the Pirates have lost six straight games and nine of their last 10. Shelton was given a short deck to start with, but it’s hard to say he was making Pittsburgh better given that record. He’ll finish with a 306-440 record (.410) over five-plus seasons at the helm. The Pirates never cracked the .500 mark during his tenure, peaking at 76 wins in each of the last two seasons.

The 26-year-old Kelly was designated for assignment last week after hitting .248/.327/.323 in 440 at-bats between Erie and Triple-A Toledo this season.

It’s a tough blow for a Tigers team that’s already without Delmon Young. Manager Jim Leyland said the ankle is “killing” Maggs. Ordonez had surgery on the ankle late last year, and he hasn’t been able to totally shake the soreness since. The 37-year-old will be ineligible to play in a potential World Series berth for the Tigers. He admitted to considering retirement earlier this season, so it’s certainly possible that he’s taken his last MLB at-bat. The Tigers have not announced who will replace Maggs on the ALCS roster. Don Kelly and Ryan Raburn assume his at-bats. Kelly had four hits and a home run during the ALDS, while Raburn is 3-for-8 in the playoffs.

Kelly made a rare start in left field filling in for Andy Dirks, and responded with a 2-for-4 effort and his first three RBI of the season. He’s not a fantasy play, even in the deepest of leagues, but he still delivered a solid effort in this game.

Not a surprise, as Young was arrested early Friday after allegedly shoving a man to the ground and making anti-Semitic remarks outside the Tigers’ team hotel in New York. It’s not clear when he’ll return to action. Don Kelly will start in his place in left field while the newly-promoted Brad Eldred will DH.

“I love Kelly, I really do, but I’m not looking to platoon,” Inge said. “I want to play every day.” That’s all well and good, but after batting just .197/.265/.283 this past season and being designated for assignment at one point, Inge can’t expect to be given the everyday job. “I hope he can play every day at third,” said manager Jim Leyland, “because if he is, it means he’s producing. But he has to produce.”

Kelly batted .245/.291/.381 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 113 games last season while earning close to the league minimum. He’ll act as a utilityman in 2012.

Manager Jim Leyland likes Kelly’s versatility, but this is the right move after he batted just .175/.267/.243 over 64 games this season. Kelly stands a good chance at clearing waivers.

It’s just a way to give him a bit of a breather. Don Kelly will play first base while Delmon Young gets the day off.