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The Pittsburgh Pirates made a change at the helm on Thursday, relieving Derek Shelton of his managerial duties more than a month into a chaotic season.
The Pirates fell to 12-26 following a one-run loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The front office decided to make a move.
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Pirates manager Derek Shelton talks with umpire Mike Estabrook during the San Diego Padres game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
"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," Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said in a statement. "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 bench coach Don Kelly was named as Shelton’s replacement.
"Derek is a good man who did a lot for the Pirates and Pittsburgh, but it was time for a change," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said. "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 to fix this now to get back on track as a team and organization."
Pirates manager Derek Shelton stands in the dugout during the San Diego Padres game in Pittsburgh, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
PIRATES FAN SPEAKS FOR 1ST TIME SINCE HORRIFYING FALL OVER WALL AT PNC PARK
Shelton took over as manager in 2020. He was 306-440 and never won more than 76 games.
It’s been a rocky year from the jump for the Pirates.
The organization took a ton of flak for removing a tribute to Roberto Clemente in right field early last month. The team was thrust back into the spotlight when a fan fell from the right field seats onto the warning track last week.
The organization then disciplined a worker who got into a fight with an instigator before a game. A video of that altercation surfaced earlier this week.
Pirates pitcher Caleb Ferguson, center, waits with teammates for manager Derek Shelton to pull him from the San Diego Padres game in Pittsburgh, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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The season is still in its infancy and the Pirates have the players to turn the year around.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
