The Pirates selected right-handed pitcher Nick Mears from their satellite camp in Altoona and optioned left-hander Miguel Del Pozo, who allowed three runs on five hits in two innings on Friday night.

Mears, 23, started last season in Class A Greensboro and finished in Double-A Altoona, compiling a 5-3 record, with a 3.28 ERA in 46 2/3 innings over 34 appearances at three minor-league levels. He had 69 strikeouts and allowed 31 hits. Del Pozo had a 17.18 ERA in five games for the Pirates this season, allowing seven runs on seven hits and eight walks in 3 2/3 innings.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Keone Kela “looked good” in throwing a live batting practice early Saturday afternoon at PNC Park and “felt good coming off the mound,” a sign that the Pirates closer could soon be ready to return after testing positive for covid-19. Kela is expected to meet Sunday with pitching coach Oscar Marin and bullpen coach Justin Meccage to map out a pitching plan

“Would want to leave it to them to decide what additional work he would need,” Cherington said. “Would expect that he’s getting closer for sure, but no determination on that yet.”

Cherington said right-hander Tyler Bashlor, acquired in a trade with the New York Mets last Sunday, has “looked good” in bullpen sessions and is “going to get into a game situation here soon.”

Bashlor, 27, was 0-3 with a 6.95 ERA in 22 innings last season for the Mets, allowing six home runs and 17 walks with 20 strikeouts in 24 games.

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