PITTSBURGH -- It was clear the Pirates were going to need some bullpen reinforcements after their marathon, 13-inning loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday night forced them to use six different relievers.
The front office remedied its concerns by making the call for 23-year-old right-hander Wilber Dotel, the organization’s No. 12 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, native was in line to start on the road for Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday night, but was scratched during warmups and later told that he was headed to the big leagues.
“A lot of emotions, for sure,” Dotel said through his interpreter and assistant coach Stephen Morales. “On my way to the mound, I wanted to get there as fast as possible just to get on the mound and start throwing my pitches.”
Dotel gave up a home run to Junior Caminero, the first batter he faced, but retired the following three hitters in order to preserve a 6-3 victory. He recorded his first Major League strikeout against Jonathan Aranda.
“That was impressive,” manager Don Kelly said. “Especially for a guy making his debut in the ninth inning with a lead and give up a homer and then come back with triple digits and stay in the zone. That was phenomenal.”
Nearly 1,000 miles away from the Steel City in Omaha, Neb., Dotel went straight to the hotel after the game to gather his belongings. He then woke up at 2 a.m. to catch the first flight to Pittsburgh.
He fired eight pitches over 98 mph.
“I saw 100 miles an hour flash up on the scoreboard. It’s just ridiculous,” said catcher Joey Bart. It’s like, we’re just spawning guys throwing 100 mph nowadays.”
Naturally, his first call was to his loved ones.
“The whole family was happy,” Dotel said through Pirates interpreter and assistant coach Stephen Morales. “It was a weird situation because they couldn't spread the news. I told them to take it easy. They were so happy and yelling. Just happy because of the news.”
Originally signed for just $65,000 in October 2020 at 18 years old, Dotel made consistent progress through Pittsburgh’s farm system, pitching the 2024 season at High-A and the 2025 season at Double-A. He pitched in just three Triple-A games this season before getting the biggest promotion of his career.
“Not really [expected],” he said. “But I felt my whole stay down there, if I control the things that I can control, it’s going to be a matter of time.”
Dotel is coming off the best season of his professional career, posting a 4.15 ERA in 27 starts while striking out 131 hitters in 125 2/3 innings (9.4 K/9). He also walked a career-low 3.1 batters per nine innings. Dotel’s fastball typically sits around 95-96 mph for the entirety of his outings.
“I’ve been feeling good, body-wise and everything, attacking the strike zone,” he said. “As always, going about my business.”
Despite an expected role in the bullpen, Dotel hasn't pitched in that capacity in a Minor League game in three years. He did, however, pitch two innings in relief for the Pirates in Spring Training, giving him confidence in a smooth transition.
“It should feel normal,” Dotel said. “I did it in Spring Training, coming out of the ‘pen. I haven’t done it that often in my career, but it should be OK.”
The Pirates entered play Sunday ranking 13th across MLB with a 3.66 ERA. Late-inning relief has been solid with Dennis Santana (0.82), Yohan Ramirez (2.30), Gregory Soto (0.77) and Isaac Mattson (1.42). Pressing the right buttons during the middle innings, on the other hand, has been an area of issue. That is where Dotel’s biggest opportunity may present itself.