Pirates Sign Gilberto Celestino To Minor-League Deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free-agent outfielder Gilberto Celestino to a minor-league deal on Monday, according to sources. Celestino made his big-league debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2021 and hit just .136 (8-for-59) with two homers and three RBI in 23 games before getting more of a chance in 2022 over a 122-game span. In his second season with the Twins, he slashed .238/.313/.302 with two homers, 12 doubles, a triple, 24 RBI, four stolen bases and 30 runs scored in 347 plate appearances. The 24-year-old didn't play at all in the majors in 2023 after having surgery in March to fix a torn UCL in his left thumb, but he could have a shot to win a bench role in spring training in Pittsburgh in 2024. Celestino is known mostly for his speed and his glove in the outfield, so he's of little use to fantasy managers.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Gilberto Celestino (thumb) has suffered a ruptured UCL, which will sideline him for multiple weeks. The 24-year-old is set to undergo surgery that is going to sideline him for roughly 6-8 weeks. The expectation was that Celestino would begin the season in Triple-A anyway. However, he's now going to be sidelined until around May sometime. Celestino didn't have much fantasy value last season, so he can be ignored to begin the season.
Minnesota Twins skipper Rocco Baldelli said the plan is for outfielder Gilberto Celestino to join the team for their series against the Blue Jays in Toronto this weekend. It's unknown if Celestino will be activated from the COVID-19 injured list right away, though, as they'll need to gage his physical conditioning first. The 23-year-old has started testing negative for the virus and is very close to clearing the league's protocols. There's a chance the Twins will want Celestino to go on a minor league rehab assignment first. As a reserve outfielder this year, Celestino has hit a strong .324/.398/.378 with no homers, four RBI and 10 runs scored in 74 at-bats for the Twins in 2022.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Gilberto Celestino went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Seattle Mariners. Celestino was part of a two-run, fourth inning for the Twins, homering one at-bat after teammate Alex Kirilloff. Celestino's home traveled 370 feet at an exit velocity of 102.5 MPH. Despite Monday's effort, the 22-year-old has struggled at the plate since being called up, going just 4-for-29 with six strikeouts and no walks. Celestino seems destined to be sent down to Triple-A St. Paul when Byron Buxton (hip) is ready to be activated.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Gilberto Celestino was recalled from Triple-A ahead of Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees. Celestino was just sent down Tuesday when Rob Refsnyder was activated, though the young outfielder is needed once again with Kyle Garlick (hernia) headed to the 10-day injured list. The 22-year-old logged 12 at-bats, though he has yet to record his first career hit. He should operate as the Twins' center fielder in tandem with Rob Refsnyder while Garlick is out.
Gilberto Celestino Making Major League Debut Wednesday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Gilberto Celestino is making his major league debut against the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday. Celestino was called up in a corresponding move with Rob Refsnyder's placement on the seven-day injured list. The 22-year-old, who hit .250 with five doubles, two homers, seven RBI, and 10 runs scored for Minnesota's Double-A affiliate, was ranked as the 10th-best prospect in the Twins organization. Celestino will bat ninth against Orioles' righty Matt Harvey.
Gilberto Celestino
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