| Date | News | Comment |
| Jun 27 2025 | Keller (2-10) earned the win against the Mets on Friday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out four across 5.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller allowed one baserunner or less in each of the first five innings he pitched, with his lone blemish coming in the fourth, when he yielded a solo home run to Juan Soto. Keller has given up three earned runs or less in 10 of his last 11 starts, but he was finally able to get run support from the Pirates batters and came away with his first win since March 28 against the Marlins. Keller now has a 3.90 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 77:25 K:BB across 99.1 innings this season. He'll look for his third win in his next start, tentatively slated for next week at home against the Cardinals. |
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| Jun 21 2025 | Keller (1-10) took the loss against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out five across 5.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller turned in another good performance and was one out shy from recording his 12th quality start of the season, but he still came away with the loss as the Pirates' hitters were unable to generate enough run support. Keller hasn't won a game since March 28 against the Marlins, and he has received two or less runs of support in 10 straight games. He is tied with Antonio Senzatela for most losses this season, and Keller will hope to get back into the win column in his next start, tentatively slated for next week at home against the Mets. |
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| Jun 15 2025 | Keller didn't factor into the decision in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Cubs, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller owns a middling 4.08 ERA on the season, but he's been an extremely reliable arm on the front end of Pittsburgh's rotation. He's had two blow-up starts, allowing a combined 13 earned runs in those outings, and owns a 3.10 ERA outside of those two appearances. His consistency is shown in his 11 quality starts - tied for the most in baseball. However, a lack of run support has made Keller's fantasy output frustrating, as the 29-year-old has posted a 1-9 record through 14 outings. In 2024, his ninth loss came Sept. 1. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Rangers next time out. |
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| Jun 11 2025 | Keller (1-9) took the loss Tuesday, giving up three runs on eight hits over six innings as the Pirates were downed 3-2 by the Marlins. He struck out four without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander fired 73 of 97 pitches for strikes and piled up an impressive 39 called or swinging strikes en route to his 10th quality start of the season, but Pittsburgh once again failed to give Keller much run support. He's lasted at least six innings in seven straight trips to the mound, posting a 3.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB through 43.1 innings over that stretch, but he carries a miserable 0-6 record in that span despite that consistency. Keller faces a tough test in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend against the Cubs. |
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| Jun 6 2025 | Keller (1-8) took the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out five in 6.1 innings of work during Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller gave the Pirates at least six innings of length yet again, but his streak of five straight quality starts was snapped on a night when the first pitch was delayed by over three hours due to rain. The Astros tagged him for six runs Friday, the second-worst start of the right-hander's season, according to the number of runs allowed. He has yet to pick up a win since his opening start of the season, a timeframe spanning 12 starts now, despite allowing three runs or fewer in nine of them. Keller's ERA is up to 4.13 on the season with his next start scheduled for Tuesday against the Marlins. |
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| May 31 2025 | Keller (1-7) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks over six innings as the Pirates were downed 3-2 by the Padres. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran righty managed only three swinging strikes among his 78 pitches (49 total strikes), but Keller generated plenty of weak contact as he delivered his fifth straight quality start, and ninth in 12 trips to the mound this season. His reliability has been matched only by the consistently poor offensive support he's gotten from the Pirates -- in all five of the games during his QS streak, Pittsburgh's scored two runs or fewer, and the team has yet to push more than four runs across in any of his 2025 starts. Should the Bucs look to move him by the trade deadline, Keller could see his fantasy value soar on a contender. He'll take a 3.73 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 56:19 K:BB through 70 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against the Astros. |
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| May 24 2025 | Keller did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on seven hits and zero walks over six innings against the Brewers. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller gave up his fair share of base hits but Caleb Durbin's second-inning single was the only one that plated a run Saturday. He's been particularly sharp of late, posting a 1.89 ERA and a 20:2 K:BB across his past three starts. Aside from a rough outing against the Yankees on April 4, when he allowed seven runs over 3.2 innings, the 29-year-old has been a steady presence on the mound for the Pirates this season. After Saturday's start, Keller now sports a 3.66 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. |
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| May 19 2025 | Keller (1-6) took the loss Monday against the Reds, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old notched his third consecutive quality start, all of which have been losses as the Pittsburgh offense has scored two runs over those contests, with this 91-pitch performance. Keller has been a dependable starter since a seven-run disaster against the Yankees on April 4, pitching to a 3.17 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 40:12 K:BB across 46.1 innings since then. Overall, the right-hander now sports a 3.88 ERA and 3.42 FIP through 58 frames. Keller is currently slated to make his next start at home against the Brewers this weekend. |
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| May 14 2025 | Keller (1-5) took the loss Tuesday as the Pirates fell 2-1 to the Mets, giving up two runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The strikeouts were a season high for Keller, who delivered his second straight quality start and sixth of the campaign on 96 pitches (65 strikes), including 32 called or swinging strikes. The right-hander hasn't gotten into the win column since March 28 due to consistently poor offensive support -- the Bucs have scored only 15 runs combined in his last seven trips to the mound, a stretch in which he's posted a 3.40 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 35:11 K:BB over 42.1 innings. Keller lines up to make his next start at home early next week against the Reds. |
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| May 7 2025 | Keller (1-4) took the loss Wednesday as the Pirates fell 5-0 to the Cardinals, giving up three runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander delivered his fifth quality start of the season on 94 pitches (58 strikes), including 30 called or swinging strikes. Keller has allowed more than three runs only twice in eight trips to the mound to begin the season, leaving him with a 4.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 35:15 K:BB through 45 innings, but a lack of run support has kept him out of the win column since March 28. He faces a tough test in his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road early next week against the Mets. |
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| May 3 2025 | Keller (1-3) allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out three across five innings to take the loss Friday against the Padres. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller worked in and out of trouble through three innings, but he kept the Padres scoreless. Things fell apart for him from there, with all five of his runs coming in his final two innings of work. Keller has never been a dominant pitcher, but his strikeout rate has dipped to 16.8 percent this season -- the lowest of his career -- which has led to inconsistent results. In seven starts to this point in the campaign, he has recorded four or fewer punchouts on five occasions. |
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| Apr 20 2025 | Keller did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Guardians, pitching five two-run innings while allowing five hits and two walks. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pittsburgh right-hander fired 101 pitches in this outing, as he limited the Cleveland lineup to just one extra-base hit. The only blemish on Keller's afternoon was a two-run homer cracked by Steven Kwan in the third inning. After 28 innings, Keller now sports a 4.18 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB. The 29-year-old is currently scheduled to make his next start against the fearsome Dodgers on the road next weekend. |
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| Apr 15 2025 | Keller (1-2) yielded three runs on six hits and two walks over six innings Tuesday, striking out three and taking a loss against Washington. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller served up a leadoff homer to James Wood to begin the night but then held the Nationals scoreless until Nasim Nunez's two-run single in the sixth inning. It was Keller's third quality start in four outings this season, but the three punchouts were his lowest total to date. He tossed 67 of 105 pitches for strikes but generated only eight whiffs. Keller now owns a 4.30 ERA with a 17:8 K:BB through 23 innings. He's currently in line for a home matchup against Cleveland this weekend. |
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| Apr 9 2025 | Keller didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-innings win over the Cardinals, allowing four hits and a walk over 7.1 scoreless innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander got lit up by the Yankees in his last start for seven runs in 3.2 frames, but Keller bounced back with one of the sharpest performances of his career as he fired 64 of 96 pitches for strikes before exiting. The game's first runs didn't score until the 12th inning, however, and Joey Bart finally ended it with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 13th. Keller has two quality starts in three trips to the mound to begin the season, and he'll take a 4.24 ERA and 14:6 K:BB through 17 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Nationals. |
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| Apr 4 2025 | Keller (1-1) took the loss Friday versus the Yankees, allowing seven runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He kept the ball in the yard for the second start in a row, but Keller didn't have much success anywhere else. The Yankees were able to tag him for multiple runs in the second, third and fourth innings to send him to his first loss. Keller has added an 8:5 K:BB with eight runs allowed over 9.2 innings. Wins will be tough enough to come by while pitching for the Pirates, but Keller should be able to take care of business against weaker offenses, making him a reasonable low-end fantasy starter. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Cardinals. |
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| Mar 28 2025 | Keller (1-0) picked up the win Friday against the Marlins, striking out four over six innings of work while allowing five hits, one walk and one run. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was in control for the most part and picked up a quality start. The 28-year-old retired 10 Marlins in a row at one point before allowing his only run of the outing, an RBI double off the bat of Graham Pauley. Keller posted a respectable 4.25 ERA to go with a 1.30 WHIP in 2024 and begins 2025 as Pittsburgh's No. 2 starter. The right-hander is lined up for a road start against the Rays his next time out. |
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| Mar 10 2025 | Keller allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks across 3.1 innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller has been shaky this spring, as he maintained only a 5:4 K:BB across his first 8.2 innings despite allowing only one earned run. Things unraveled for him further Monday, as he was pulled partway through the second innings after throwing 26 pitches in the frame while managing just two outs. Keller re-entered the game and recovered, but it hasn't been a standout exhibition season for him to this point. |
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| Sep 26 2024 | Keller (11-12) took the loss Thursday against the Brewers, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller got off to a solid start, holding Milwaukee to one run through his first four innings, before giving up two more in the fifth. The 28-year-old Keller would ultimately take his third straight loss and fifth in his last six outings. After an encouraging start to the year, Keller faded down the stretch, posting a 7.29 ERA in his final nine starts (45.2 innings). Keller will wrap up the season with a 4.25 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 166:50 K:BB across 178 innings. |
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| Sep 20 2024 | Keller (11-11) took the loss Friday against Cincinnati, allowing eight runs on seven hits and five walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a rough night for Keller, who issued a season-high five walks while taking a fourth loss in his last five outings. The 28-year-old Keller got off to a nice start this year, though he's gone 1-6 with a 5.68 ERA in 11 starts since the All-Star break. Overall, Keller sports a 4.21 ERA on the year with a 1.29 WHIP and 160:48 K:BB across 173 innings. He'll look to end the year on a better note in his final start, currently lined up for next week at home versus the Brewers. |
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| Sep 14 2024 | Keller (11-10) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk over six innings as the Pirates fell 5-1 to the Royals. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While only one of the runs against Keller was unearned, the Pirates' defense made numerous miscues beyond the two official errors charged to Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo on the afternoon. Keller still came away with his 15th quality start of the season, and over his last five outings he's posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and dazzling 34:3 K:BB in 28.1 innings. He'll look to get back in the win column in his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in St. Louis. |
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| Sep 7 2024 | Keller allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out eight batters over six innings in a no-decision against Washington in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller had been struggling coming into Saturday, losing four of his previous five starts and posting a 7.46 ERA and 1.66 WHIP while serving up seven homers over 25.1 innings during that span. The right-hander turned things around with an effective outing against the Nationals, notching just his second quality start across his past seven appearances and keeping the ball in the park in addition to racking up eight punchouts. Keller departed with a 4-2 lead, but Pittsburgh's bullpen gave up six runs over the final three innings to stick him with a no-decision. Keller has just one victory over 10 starts since the All-Star break, though he's posted a strong 51:15 K:BB in 52.1 innings during that stretch. |
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| Sep 1 2024 | Keller (11-9) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on 11 hits in 5.1 innings against the Guardians. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller's control was on point throughout, as he reached seven punchouts for just the second time in his last 11 starts while not walking a batter for the second time in nine outings. Additionally, his 3.15 pitches per plate appearance was significantly below the league average of 3.88. However, he also allowed 12 baserunners, including a hit batsman and season highs in base hits and homers allowed. Keller entered August with a 10-5 mark and following his first outing of the month, he was sitting with an impressive 3.20 ERA for the season. Since then, he's allowed 21 earned runs over his last five starts, causing his ERA to balloon more than a half run to 3.88. He'll look to steady the ship in his next start, scheduled to take place at home against the Nationals. |
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| Aug 21 2024 | Keller (11-7) picked up the win Tuesday in a 4-0 victory over the Rangers, scattering three hits over seven-plus scoreless innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After getting hammered for 15 runs in 12 innings over his last two trips to the mound, Keller was razor-sharp Tuesday, firing 73 of 98 pitches for strikes and retiring the first 11 batters he faced. All three hits off the right-hander were singles, and none of the runners even managed to get to second base. The quality start was Keller's 13th of the year, while the nine strikeouts tied his season high. He'll take a 3.76 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 134:40 K:BB through 148.1 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Cubs. |
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| Aug 14 2024 | Keller (10-7) took the loss Wednesday against the Padres, allowing eight earned runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller never found his footing in this one, failing to record an out before surrendering a three-run home run to Jake Cronenworth in the opening frame. Things didn't get much better from there, as Keller found himself down 8-0 in the third inning following a two-run blast by David Peralta. Keller has now given up a combined 15 earned runs over his past two starts, causing his ERA to balloon from 3.20 to 3.95. The right-hander now owns a 3.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 125:40 K:BB across 141.1 innings (24 starts) this season. Keller will look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for early next week against the Rangers. |
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| Aug 9 2024 | Keller (10-6) allowed seven runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over four innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller gave up home runs to Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani before the Dodgers added four more runs off singles. Keller has gone four innings in each of his two starts in August, but this one wasn't abbreviated by weather. The seven runs he allowed were a season high, inflating his ERA from 3.20 to 3.56. He's added a 1.22 WHIP and 123:38 K:BB over 136.1 innings across 23 starts. Keller will look to bounce back in a projected road outing versus the Padres. |
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| Aug 4 2024 | Keller came away with a no-decision in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks, allowing one hit and two walks over four scoreless innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander appeared headed for a potentially special performance, but a 68-minute rain delay ended his day after 60 pitches (44 strikes). Keller has given up two runs or less in five straight outings, posting a 2.17 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 22:9 K:BB through 29 innings over that stretch, but the last four have all resulted in no-decisions. He'll try to get back in the win column in his next start, which lines up to come on the road next weekend against the Dodgers. |
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| Jul 29 2024 | Keller did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six over seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was dominant once again and faced his only trouble in the fourth after Jake McCarthy ripped an RBI triple and then later scored on a sacrifice fly. It was the third quality start in the last four outings for Keller, though he only has one win to show for it, as the Pirates' offense only mustered up one run until they scored in the ninth to send the game into extras. Keller also managed to keep the ball inside the park, something he's struggled with a bit lately after allowing five home runs over his last four starts. The 28-year-old now owns a 3.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 114:34 K:BB in 128.1 innings and lines up for a rematch with the Diamondbacks at home over the weekend. |
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| Jul 22 2024 | Keller came away with a no-decision Monday against the Cardinals, allowing one earned run on six hits and two walks while striking out three in seven innings of work. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lone blemish on Keller's line was a solo home run by Nolan Gorman in the fifth inning, the only extra-base hit of the night for the Cardinals. The right-hander matched a season-low with just three strikeouts, but he logged his 11th quality start in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the 28-year-old. Keller owns a 3.34 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 108:32 K:BB across 121.1 innings this season. He will look to keep things going in his next start, currently scheduled for this weekend in Arizona. |
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| Jul 14 2024 | Keller didn't factor into the decision Sunday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over three innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates opted not to bring Keller out for the fourth inning, providing the 28-year-old with additional rest ahead of the All-Star Break. Keller has thrown 114.1 innings at the halfway point and is on pace to shatter his career highs in starts and innings pitched, so it's possible the Pirates monitor Keller's workload during the back half of 2024. Still, Keller should be a strong fantasy option when on the mound, posting a 3.46 ERA with 105 strikeouts this season while cruising to a 10-5 record. |
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| Jul 8 2024 | Keller (10-5) earned the win Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks over eight innings against the Mets. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old cruised to his second straight season with double-digit wins, allowing just one extra-base hit -- a two-run Brandon Nimmo homer in the sixth. Keller has been reliable since June 1, pitching to a 3.09 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 44:8 K:BB over 43.2 innings across seven starts. The Pirates right-hander is scheduled to make his last outing of the first half against the White Sox in Chicago this weekend. |
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| Jul 2 2024 | Keller (9-5) took the loss against the Cardinals on Tuesday, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits and no walks with five strikeouts over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was burned by the long ball, surrendering a two-run home run in the second inning and a grand slam in the fourth. After completing at least six frames in eight consecutive starts from May 6 to June 19, the righty has now failed to do so in his past two outings. The 28-year-old will bring a solid 3.48 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 96:27 K:BB over 103.1 innings into a projected home matchup with the Mets this weekend. |
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| Jun 26 2024 | Keller (9-4) picked up the win in Tuesday's 9-5 victory over the Reds, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An Oneil Cruz error and a hit by pitch helped load the bases in the third inning, but Keller escaped the jam by striking out Jeimer Candelario and Spencer Steer. The right-hander seemed to run out of gas after that, eventually getting tagged for three runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth as he fell short of his 10th quality start of the season. Keller has still allowed more than three earned runs only once in nine outings since the beginning of May, going 7-1 over that stretch with a 1.85 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 52:12 K:BB through 58.1 innings. He'll look for win No. 10 on the year in his next trip to the mound, which lines up to come at home next week against the Cardinals. |
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| Jun 19 2024 | Keller allowed two hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Wednesday. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was locked in Wednesday, holding Cincinnati hitless until the fifth inning, ultimately turning in his second scoreless outing in his last three starts. However, Keller wouldn't factor into the decision as the Pirates couldn't get on the board until Bryan Reynolds homered in the eighth, providing the lone run in a 1-0 victory. Keller's been excellent since the start of May, pitching to a 1.53 ERA over his last eight outings. Overall, the right-hander's 8-4 with a 3.11 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 85:24 K:BB across 15 starts (92.2 innings) this season. Keller will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently scheduled as a rematch with Cincinnati on the road. |
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| Jun 13 2024 | Keller (8-4) was charged with the loss after he allowed four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts over six innings Thursday against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller's four earned runs allowed tied for a season high, but he still managed to extend a streak of seven straight starts of at least six innings. He gave up a homers to Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan, making it the first time this season he's allowed multiple long balls in a game. The 28-year-old has a 3.36 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 78:22 K:BB across 85.2 innings this season. |
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| Jun 7 2024 | Keller (8-3) earned the win Friday over Minnesota, allowing seven hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the sixth straight win for Keller -- he hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in that span, pitching to a 1.13 ERA. The 28-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.16 on the season with a 1.24 WHIP and 74:22 K:BB across 13 starts (79.2 innings). Keller will look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in St. Louis. |
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| Jun 2 2024 | Keller (7-3) picked up the win Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings in an 8-1 victory over the Blue Jays. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been overshadowed by the debuts of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones this season, but Keller has been the Pirates' most dependable starter. He's won five straight starts, posting a 1.34 ERA. 0.92 WHIP and 27:5 K:BB in 33.2 innings over that stretch, and Saturday's quality start was his seventh of the year. Keller will look to stay hot in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Twins. |
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| May 25 2024 | Keller (6-3) picked up the victory Saturday against Atlanta, allowing just one run on six hits over 6.2 innings. He registered four strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was very efficient, needing only 88 pitches to complete his 6.2 frames. Although the right-hander struck out just four, he had a solid 15 whiffs on his 88 offerings. Keller entered May with a 5.18 ERA and no wins in his last three starts. In four outings this month, he's 4-0 with a 1.30 ERA, although the strikeouts haven't been there with only 19 in 33.1 innings. Keller's next outing is projected to come in Toronto. |
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| May 19 2024 | Keller (5-3) allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings to earn the win Sunday over the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't as dominant an outing as his six scoreless innings versus the Brewers on Monday, but it was still Keller's third straight quality start. He's allowed three runs over 21 innings across three starts in May. The strong pitching has him down to a 3.84 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB through 61 innings over 10 starts this season. Keller is projected for a tough home start versus Atlanta in his next outing. |
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| May 13 2024 | Keller (4-3) allowed eight hits over six shutout frames Monday, striking out seven and earning a win over Milwaukee. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller faced traffic on the bases throughout the night but was able to dance around danger and keep the Brewers scoreless. He forced 13 whiffs -- his second-best total so far this season -- and threw 71 of 100 pitches for strikes. Of those 13, seven came via the fastball, which averaged 95.2 mph. Keller has seemingly turned a corner after a shaky opening month; he's allowed just one run while posting a 12:1 K:BB over 15 frames in his last two starts. Keller will carry a 3.93 ERA into his next start, which is lined up to be on the road against the Cubs this weekend. |
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| May 6 2024 | Keller (3-3) allowed one run, five hits and one walk in a complete game victory Monday against the Angels. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller stymied the Angels on Monday night en route to his second career complete game -- his first was a shutout May 8, 2023 against Colorado. The Pirates right-hander induced a whopping 64.0 percent groundball-rate, easily his highest in a start this season, outpacing the 37.5 percent rate he generated on the season prior to Monday. Keller is scheduled to make his next start against the Cubs at home this weekend. |
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| Apr 30 2024 | Keller (2-3) took the loss Tuesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings against the A's. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Keller punched out seven batters for a second consecutive outing, he was tagged for a trio of runs, including a solo homer by JJ Bleday. After entering the 2024 season with relatively high expectations, Keller has fallen to a 5.18 ERA through 40.0 innings and has surrendered five or more hits in all seven starts. He's scheduled for a home start against the Angels on Monday. |
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| Apr 26 2024 | Keller allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over five frames in a no-decision against the Brewers on Thursday while striking out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller got off to a rocky start, surrendering a solo home run to William Contreras in the second at-bat of the game. Back-to-back walks to open the frame and some shaky defense behind him then led to two more runs in the third. The right-hander failed to make it through six innings for the first time in his last four starts while allowing four earned runs for the fourth time this season. On a positive note, Keller did record his second-highest strikeout total of the campaign with seven. |
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| Apr 20 2024 | Keller (2-2) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks over six innings as the Pirates fell 4-2 to the Red Sox. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Boston scored twice in the first inning, Keller settled down and seemed to be cruising until Masataka Yoshida clubbed a two-run homer off him in the sixth. The right-hander has lasted at least six innings in three straight starts, but his overall results to begin 2024 haven't been impressive as he carries a 4.80 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB through 30 innings. Keller will look to tighten things up in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against the Brewers. |
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| Apr 14 2024 | Keller (2-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on eight hits and no walks over seven innings against Philadelphia. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller notched his second straight victory Sunday, allowing a pair of runs via a Trea Turner solo homer and an RBI single also hit by Turner. After giving up five runs in each of his first two starts, Keller has bounced back with a pair of quality starts, bringing his ERA down to 4.50 with 21 strikeouts across 24.0 innings. He's expected to make his next start during a three-game homestand against the Red Sox. |
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| Apr 8 2024 | Keller (1-1) earned the win Monday, allowing two runs, five hits and three walks over six innings against the Tigers. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After allowing four runs in each of his first two outings, Keller looked like a frontline starter Monday against the Detroit, scattering two runs while allowing eight baserunners. He generated an impressive 13 whiffs, including nine alone on his sinker, while racking up nine strikeouts. Keller scheduled to make his next start against the Phillies on the road. |
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| Apr 3 2024 | Keller (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Nationals, yielding five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks during 5.1 innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After giving up four earned runs in his 2024 debut, Wednesday's outing set up to be a perfect bounce-back spot for Keller against the sub-standard Nationals. However, Keller was once again tagged for four earned runs -- including a solo homer by Joey Gallo in the second. While he also battled inconsistencies in 2023, his value was kept by his impressive 210:55 K:BB and ability to go deep into games (194.1 IP in 32 starts). He's been unable to provide such value thus far, owning an ugly 8:4 K:BB through 11 innings this season. He's lined up for another recovery chance during Monday's tentatively projected start against the Tigers. |
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| Mar 28 2024 | Keller allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings during Thursday's Opening Day win at Miami. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller threw 61 of his 85 pitches for strikes but he was not sharp as the Miami bats seemed to have a beat on him all game. The Pittsburgh righty who signed a five-year contract extension in the offseason left with a three-run deficit, but the Pirates were able to grind their way back into the game, eventually earning the victory and taking Keller off the hook. Expect Keller to rebound in his next start, scheduled to take place mid-week in Washington against the Nationals. |
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| Mar 6 2024 | Keller sat between 90-92 mph for much of his spring training outing Wednesday against the Orioles, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The decreased velocity is a red flag not only for his potential level of performance but also as a potential indication of injury. However, he completed four innings -- his longest outing of the spring -- and told reporters after the game that he wasn't worried and that his velocity would ramp back up as the intensity of games increased. Though his results were inconsistent, Keller is coming off a breakout season during which he struck out 210 batters across 194.1 innings, and he'll take the mound on Opening Day against the Marlins. |
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| Feb 22 2024 | Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Thursday that Keller will serve as the club's Opening Day starter March 28 in Miami, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Shelton's announcement was seemingly a foregone conclusion after Keller signed a five-year, $77 million contract extension -- the largest for a pitcher in franchise history -- just hours earlier. Though Keller is the Pirates' No. 1 starter, he likely profiles as more of a depth arm for most fantasy pitching staffs after he went 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 210:55 K:BB in 194.1 innings over his 32 starts a season ago. |
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| Jan 11 2024 | Keller signed a one-year, $5.4425 million contract with the Pirates on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller got off to a hot start last season, but he posted a 5.59 ERA in 77.1 innings after the All-Star break. Despite his late struggles, Keller remains a viable fantasy option after racking up 210 strikeouts in 194.1 frames and 13 wins in 2023. |
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| Sep 28 2023 | Keller will not start Sunday's season finale against the Marlins, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller would have been on normal rest for the matchup in Miami, but he's already thrown a career-high 194.1 innings this season and the Pirates will go ahead and shut him down a bit early. The 27-year-old right-hander showed promising flashes at times in 2023 while delivering an overall 13-9 record, 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 210:55 K:BB across those 194.1 frames. |
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| Sep 26 2023 | Keller did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: September has been an inconsistent and bumpy ride for Keller so far. In five starts, he has two outings allowing seven or more runs and three allowing two runs or fewer. Overall this month, the 27-year-old pitcher sports a 5.28 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB over 30.2 innings. Keller is currently scheduled to start the last Pirates game of the season in Miami. |
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| Sep 20 2023 | Keller (13-9) allowed seven runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out six over 5.2 innings, earning the win Wednesday over the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller benefited from the Pirates storming ahead to an 8-1 lead in the top of the fifth inning, as he almost gave it all back. He's allowed 15 runs over his last 18.2 innings across three starts, one of which saw him throw eight shutout innings against the Nationals. The right-hander is now at a 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 204:53 K:BB through 188.1 innings through 31 starts. He's projected for a road start versus the Phillies early next week. |
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| Sep 15 2023 | Keller (12-9) earned the win Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings against Washington while striking out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was spectacular, allowing only two singles all night -- and one of those came in the first at-bat of the game. It was a great bounce-back performance after the right-hander had matched his season high with eight runs allowed in his previous outing, and Thursday's start marked the third time this season he's gone at least eight innings. Keller has won three of his last four decisions (spanning five starts), posting a 37:6 K:BB over that stretch. |
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| Sep 8 2023 | Keller (11-9) yielded eight runs on 12 hits over five innings Friday, striking out four and taking a loss against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller ran into a buzzsaw Friday and things began to unravel when he coughed up four runs in the third inning. He also gave up eight runs against the Brewers on Aug. 3 but had allowed just eight total runs in his following five starts. His ERA rose to 4.23 with a 191:51 K:BB through 174.2 frames. Keller is projected to face the Nationals at home next week. |
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| Sep 1 2023 | Keller pitched six innings, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out eight batters in Friday's 4-2 extra-inning win over the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller tossed five scoreless frames before Willson Contreras took him deep for a solo shot to open the bottom of the sixth inning, providing the only blemish on the right-hander's line. The 27-year-old has now recorded four straight quality starts, producing a 1.38 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 33 strikeouts over 26 inning during that stretch. Keller's season-long ERA now sits at 3.93 over 169.2 frames in 28 outings. |
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| Aug 25 2023 | Keller (11-8) earned the win Friday, allowing four hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings against the Cubs. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller needed only 93 pitches to complete eight innings, which marked his second longest outing of the season in stifling the Cubs to earn his 11th win. The first-time All-Star had struggled in his first five starts following the break with a 9.11 ERA over 26.2 innings. However, in his past three starts he's regained his All-Star form, allowing only three earned runs with 25 strikeouts in 20 innings for a 1.35 ERA and an 11.3 K:9. Keller will look to continue his next start, currently scheduled to take place next Wednesday in Kansas City. |
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| Aug 20 2023 | Keller improved to 10-8 after striking out 12 and allowing two earned runs on seven hits and a walk across six innings in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller had a rough three-start stretch coming out of the All-Star break but seems to have emerged out of the slump. He dominated the Twins to rack up his highest strikeout total in a game since May 14 and backed the effort with 18 swinging strikes. Keller has gotten back on track across his last three outings, maintaining a 3.18 ERA with a 23:4 K:BB across 17 frames. |
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| Aug 14 2023 | Keller allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks over six innings in a Game 1 victory during Sunday's doubleheader against the Reds. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller gave up one run in the fourth and fifth innings during his first quality start since July 8. He coughed up eight homers in his five previous outings since July 8, resulting in a brutal 9.11 ERA. Keller lowered his season ERA to 4.27 with a 161:46 K:BB across 149.2 innings. His next start is lined up to be in Minnesota. |
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| Aug 9 2023 | Keller came away with a no-decision Tuesday in Pittsburgh's 8-6 loss to Atlanta, giving up three runs on nine hits over five innings. He struck out four without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander rebounded somewhat from a brutal last outing that saw the Brewers tag him for eight runs in five innings, but Keller still has yet to regain his stellar early-season form. The 27-year-old hasn't picked up a win since late June, going 0-5 over his last seven starts with a 7.22 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 36:15 K:BB through 38.2 innings. He'll try to find a way to get back on track in his next start, which could come at home this weekend against the Reds. |
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| Aug 3 2023 | Keller (9-8) took the loss Thursday, allowing eight runs on nine hits and three walks over five innings against the Brewers. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was another rough outing for Keller -- he's now allowed 24 runs over his last four starts (21.2 innings). Overall, his ERA is now up to 4.35 with a 1.25 WHIP and 150:43 K:BB across 15 starts (89 innings) this season. Keller will look to right the ship in his next start, currently scheduled for next week against Atlanta. |
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| Jul 29 2023 | Keller (9-7) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over 5.2 innings against the Phillies. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller recorded at least eight strikeouts for the ninth time across 22 starts this season, but he finished one out away from a quality start and suffered his seventh loss. The right-hander came into the contest having allowed 14 runs over his past two starts, so Friday's outing was certainly a bounce-back performance, though still not good enough to pull out a win against Zack Wheeler and the Phillies. At one point, Keller was in the midst of a breakout campaign and the Pirates were contending for a division title, but his recent struggles have marred some of the excellent work he did earlier in the campaign. Either way, with 145 strikeouts he's already eclipsed the career-high mark he set last year (138) and is poised to continue adding to that total despite Pittsburgh falling completely out of the playoff picture. |
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| Jul 23 2023 | Keller (9-6) allowed six runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Angels. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller turned in another poor performance, this time highlighted by a season-high three home runs allowed. His ERA has jumped from 3.31 to 4.01 after giving up 14 runs in his last two starts. The 27-year-old righty has posted a 5.51 ERA over his last 11 outings. Keller will look things around in his next starts which is currently projected to be at home against the Phillies. |
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| Jul 18 2023 | Keller (9-5) took the loss Tuesday, allowing eight runs on 10 hits and two walks over six innings against the Guardians. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleveland did most of their damage against Keller early, putting up a five-spot on the right-hander in the first inning. It's a tough start to the second half for Keller, who posted a 2.16 ERA in his final four starts before the break. Overall, his ERA is up to 3.73 with a 1.16 WHIP and 130:36 K:BB through 20 starts (123 innings) this season. Keller will look to bounce back in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in San Diego. |
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| Jul 8 2023 | Keller did not factor in the decision against Arizona on Saturday, tossing seven scoreless innings during which he allowed one hit and five walks while striking out four batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was a bit wild in the contest, throwing just 57 of 99 pitches for a strike and walking a season-high five hitters. However, the free passes didn't hurt him since he didn't allow more than one in any frame and yielded just one hit (a sixth-inning single by Ketel Marte). Following a rough patch in late May and early June, Keller has notched four quality starts over his past six outings, a span during which he's posted a 2.68 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. The right-hander heads into the All-Star break in the midst of a career-best campaign in which he's recorded a 3.31 ERA, 1.12 WHP and 129:34 K:BB over 117 innings while posting a 9-4 record. |
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| Jul 3 2023 | Keller (9-4) took the loss Monday versus the Dodgers, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and a walk while striking out seven over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Dodgers did their damage early in the game, as they managed just one hit over three innings versus two Pirates relievers. Keller had a couple of stumbles in June -- he's allowed exactly one run in three of his last six starts, but he's also given up at least four runs in the other three outings in that span. The right-hander is now at a 3.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 125:29 K:BB through 110 innings over 18 starts. Keller is projected for a road start this weekend against the Diamondbacks. |
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| Jun 29 2023 | Keller (9-3) allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Padres. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller allowed a pair of hitters to reach base in each oh his first two innings but settled in to quiet the Padres thereafter. Despite generating fewer swings-and-misses of late -- he had only three swinging strikes across 104 total pitches Wednesday -- he has allowed only one earned run in three of his last four starts. Keller is also tied for fourth in the majors with nine wins, and he's picked up four positive decisions in his last seven outings. |
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| Jun 22 2023 | Keller allowed one run on five hits and no walks while striking out five batters over seven innings in Thursday's no-decision against Miami. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Miami starter Braxton Garrett made more noise with 13 strikeouts, but Keller matched him on the scoreboard with just one earned run over seven frames. The Pittsburgh hurler allowed just only extra-base hit (a double) and notched his 10th quality start of the campaign, tied for ninth-most in the league. While Keller has had some bumps of late -- he came into Thursday with a 6.14 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over his past five starts -- he's still putting up a career-best campaign overall. Through 16 starts, he's already notched a career-best eight wins while posting a 3.45 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 113:26 K:BB over 99 innings. |
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| Jun 17 2023 | Keller (8-3) took the loss against Milwaukee on Saturday, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out seven batters over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller yielded a pair of two-run innings, which was enough to send him to defeat in a game during which Pittsburgh couldn't push any runs across the plate. The right-hander has given up four or more runs in four of his past five starts after doing so only once through his initial 10 outings. The rough stretch has pushed his season ERA to 3.62 after it sat at 2.44 less than a month ago. Keller is still racking up strikeouts -- he's fanned at least seven all but once during the recent downturn -- so it's likely wise to stick with him in most fantasy formats to see if he's able to turn things back around. He's tentatively lined up for a road start in Miami his next time out. |
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| Jun 11 2023 | Keller (8-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over seven innings against the Mets. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller had been struggling coming into Sunday's matchup -- he pitched to a 7.79 ERA, allowing 15 runs on 25 hits, over his last three starts (17.1 innings). He responded with a dominant performance against the Mets, allowing a lone run on Jeff McNeil's fourth-inning homer. Keller lowered his ERA to 3.41 with a 1.11 WHIP and an impressive 101:23 K:BB through 14 starts (87 innings) this season. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently lined up as a road matchup with the Brewers. |
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| Jun 6 2023 | Keller (7-2) took the loss Tuesday, allowing five runs on eight hits and four walks over 5.1 innings in a 11-2 loss against Oakland. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller struggled Tuesday, tying his season high of four walks while setting a new low in strikeouts. The outing continued a concerning stretch of starts for Keller, who has accrued a 7.79 ERA and a 17:7 K/BB while allowing 25 hits over his last three starts (17.1 innings) after holding a 2.44 ERA with 77 strikeouts in his first 10 appearances (62.2 innings). Though fantasy managers were likely disappointed by his struggles against MLB's lowest scoring offense, they shouldn't hesitate to come back to Keller for his next start, which is expected to come against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. |
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| Jun 1 2023 | Keller (7-1) earned the win Wednesday, allowing four runs on 10 hits and one walk across six innings during a 9-4 victory over the Giants. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller allowed a season-high 10 hits, but he got plenty of run support and cruised to his seventh win. The right-hander has given up 10 runs over his past two starts (12 innings) after surrendering just 13 across his previous nine appearances (58 innings). His ERA has ballooned to 3.25, but he still holds a superb 1.08 WHIP and 93:17 K:BB across 74.2 innings. Despite back-to-back rocky starts, Keller remains the ace of the Pirates' pitching staff and will look to reclaim his dominant form in his next start, which tentatively lines up as a home start versus Oakland. |
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| May 26 2023 | Keller (6-1) picked up the win Friday over the Mariners, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out eight over six-plus innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller versus George Kirby looked like a pitchers' duel on paper, but it ended up being a slugfest in practice. Keller was taken deep twice in his worst start since Opening Day, but he was still the better of the two starters. He's rarely one to give up many homers, having allowed just seven across 11 starts this season. The rough outing raised Keller's ERA to 3.01 with a 1.02 WHIP and 85:16 K:BB through 68.2 innings. He'll look to put this one behind him next week in San Francisco. |
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| May 20 2023 | Keller did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller worked his way through the Diamondbacks' lineup with relative ease, retiring 16 straight batters after allowing a solo homer to Ketel Marte in the first inning, racking up eight strikeouts without walking a single batter. Keller has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past month, allowing just five earned runs over his last five starts (33.0 innings), picking up four wins and boasting an incredible 47:3 K/BB over that stretch. The right-hander was on his way to picking up another win Saturday, handing the ball off to the bullpen with a 3-2 lead after six innings, but he had the win spoiled after Pavin Smith launched a two-run home run off Robert Stephenson to give Arizona the lead in the seventh. Keller is slated to take the mound next in a road series against the Mariners, who strike out at the second-highest rate in MLB. |
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| May 14 2023 | Keller (5-1) earned the win Sunday, tossing seven scoreless innings in which he allowed four hits during a 4-0 win over the Orioles. He struck out 13 and did not issue a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts, marking his second game of the season with double digits, and he hasn't allowed a run over his past two starts (16 innings), lowering his ERA to 2.38. The right-hander has shown flashes before, but he's currently in the best stretch of his career and has a sterling 69:14 K:BB over 56.2 innings to start the season. Keller will look to continue his scoreless streak next time out, which is tentatively scheduled for the finale of a three-game weekend set versus Arizona. |
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| May 9 2023 | Keller (4-1) earned the win Monday, tossing a complete-game shutout in which he allowed four hits and one walk during a 2-0 win over the Rockies. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller struck out at least eight batters for a third straight outing and tossed his first career complete-game shutout, marking the first time a Pirate has reached that feat since Jameson Taillon did during the 2018 season. The right-hander has been superb to start the 2023 campaign and currently sports a 2.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 56:14 K:BB through eight starts (49.2 innings). Keller will look to maintain his momentum next time out, which is tentatively scheduled for a three-game weekend set in Baltimore. |
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| May 4 2023 | Keller (3-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing five runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk over five innings during an 8-1 loss to Tampa Bay. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was sharp but a pair of errors and Shane McClanahan's dominant outing for the Rays were too much for the right-hander to overcome. Keller was able to get through only five innings, snapping a streak of five straight quality starts, but he did strike out at least eight batters for the third time this season. Across seven starts (40.2 innings), Keller sports a 3.32 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and a 48:13 K:BB. He'll look to maintain his strong production during his next start, which should come next week versus Colorado. |
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| Apr 27 2023 | Keller (3-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over six innings against the Dodgers. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller allowed a pair of runs in the first inning but managed to skirt further damage with a 10-strikeout performance, setting a new season high. The 27-year-old Keller now has five consecutive quality starts, lowering his ERA to 3.53 with a 1.21 WHIP and 40:12 K:BB over 35.2 innings. He'll look to keep his breakout season rolling in his next outing, tentatively scheduled for next week in Tampa Bay. |
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| Apr 5 2023 | Keller (1-0) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over seven innings in a 4-1 victory over the Red Sox. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The win almost slipped away from him in the seventh, as a tiring Keller left a pitch over the plate that Reese McGuire nearly hooked inside Pesky's Pole for a three-run homer to tie the game, but replay showed that the ball was just foul. The right-hander then struck McGuire out to end his day. Keller threw a hefty 107 pitches in total with a strong 33.6 percent CSW rate, but the Pirates are counting on the 27-year-old to develop into a workhorse this season. Through his first two starts, Keller sports a 3.86 ERA and 15:6 K:BB in 11.2 innings, and he lines up for a potential two-step next week, facing the Astros at home before a weekend series in St. Louis. |
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| Mar 30 2023 | Keller did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks over 4.2 innings against the Reds. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was an out away from qualifying for the win, but he gave up a two-out, two-run triple to Jason Vosler in the bottom of the fifth inning to lose the lead. He threw an even 100 pitches in his 2023 debut, inducing 15 swinging strikes. The 26-year-old righty may never break out as a star player, but he's in the streaming conversation. Keller lines up for a road start in Boston next week. |
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| Mar 18 2023 | Keller allowed one earned run on three hits and no walks while striking out seven across 4.2 innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller has done a good job of limiting runs for much of spring training, though he showcased strikeout upside with his performance Saturday. Through 329.1 career innings in the majors, Keller has a 21.1 percent strikeout rate, so it's worth keeping a spring training performance in context. However, he closed the 2022 campaign in strong form and will be given every opportunity to lead Pittsburgh's rotation in 2023. |
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| Mar 15 2023 | The Pirates named Keller their starting pitcher for their Opening Day game March 30 in Cincinnati, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller will be rewarded with the Opening Day nod after he overcame a rough start to the 2022 campaign to sharpen his command and control from about mid-May onward, as he finished the season with a 3.22 ERA over his final 120.1 innings. He's carried over that success through his first four appearances of the Grapefruit League slate (4.09 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB in 11 innings) while also incorporating a new slider/cutter hybrid into his repertoire. Wins will likely still be hard to come by for Keller while he's pitching for a Pirates squad that remains in rebuilding mode, but the right-hander could prove to be a solid contributor in the ratio categories during his fifth season in the majors. |
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| Feb 25 2023 | Keller allowed one hit and no walks while striking out two across two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller performed well in his spring debut while facing a mix of Toronto's regulars and reserves. Per Justice delos Santos of MLB.com, Keller also debuted a new pitch that is a cross between a slider and cutter. Keller took a step forward in 2022, posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, and he will be relied upon by the Pirates as a key part of their rotation throughout the upcoming campaign. |
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| Feb 23 2023 | Keller will start the Pirates' Grapefruit League opener Saturday against the Blue Jays, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller also figures to get the nod for Pittsburgh on Opening Day of the regular season. The 26-year-old right-hander experienced a lot of ups and downs during the 2022 campaign but ultimately delivered an overall 3.91 ERA with 138 strikeouts in 159 innings. He had a shiny 2.20 ERA in his final 41 frames. |
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| Jan 13 2023 | Keller signed a one-year, $2.4375 million contract with Pittsburgh on Friday to avoid arbitration, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After beginning the 2022 season with a 6.05 ERA through his first nine starts, Keller flipped a switch and finished with a 3.22 ERA over his final 22 starts. There's not much to speak of in terms of exceptional strikeout stuff or limiting walks, but if Keller can keep the ball on the ground and runners off the pillows, there's room for the 26-year-old to become a bright spot in the Pirates' rotation. |
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| Oct 3 2022 | Keller allowed two runs on six hits and two walks over five innings against the Cardinals on Monday. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller fired five shutout frames before coughing up a two-run homer to Albert Pujols in the sixth. The 26-year-old righty finally showed promise at the big league level in 2022 after struggling in his first three MLB seasons. Keller finished the season with a 3.91 ERA and a 138:60 K:BB through 159 frames. After posting a 6.61 ERA through his first seven appearances, he recorded a 3.21 ERA over his next 126.1 innings. Keller's impressive summer likely secured his spot in Pittsburgh's rotation for 2023. |
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| Sep 27 2022 | Keller allowed a run on five hits, three walks and two hit batsmen while striking out five in five innings in a 4-1 win Tuesday against Cincinnati. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was a bit wild in Tuesday's start, hitting two batters and throwing a wild pitch that scored the only run against him. Twice he was able to get out of a bases-loaded, two-out jam. In five September starts, he has a 1.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB in 30 innings. His final start of the season will likely come early next week against St. Louis. |
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| Sep 22 2022 | Keller (5-12) took the loss Thursday against the Cubs, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven in six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both runs against Keller came in the second inning when Christopher Morel had a two-run double. Keller then retired 13 of the last 14 batters he faced. It was his fifth straight quality start and he's compiled a 2.03 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB in 31 innings during the streak. The strong performance brought his season ERA down to 3.99. His next start will likely be in the middle of next week against Cincinnati. |
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| Sep 17 2022 | Keller (5-11) took the loss to the Mets on Friday, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out six and walking two over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller pitched well enough to earn a quality start Friday, his fourth in a row and his 12th of the year, but still came away with the loss. He tossed 57 of 84 pitches for strikes across six frames. The righty has been impressive this month, allowing three runs across 19 innings pitched for a 1.42 ERA. Keller now has a 4.03 ERA on the season, but also has an ugly 1.40 WHIP. |
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| Sep 11 2022 | Keller struck out six in seven scoreless innings while allowing two hits and three walks in a 4-3 loss Sunday against St. Louis. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was efficient and effective Sunday, throwing 91 pitches and allowing only one baserunner to reach second base. He's yet to give up a run in two starts and 13 innings in September. Over his last 11 starts, he has a 2.55 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 49:19 K:BB in 60 innings. He'll look to continue his scoreless streak in his next start, likely next weekend in New York against the Mets. |
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| Sep 7 2022 | Keller (5-10) picked up the win Tuesday, allowing five hits and two walks over six scoreless innings in an 8-2 victory over the Mets. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the second quality start in a row for the right-hander, and his seventh in his last 10 outings. Keller sports a 2.83 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 43:16 K:BB through 54 innings over that stretch, and the 26-year-old appears to be cementing his spot as one of the core pieces of the Pirates' rotation for 2023 and beyond. |
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| Sep 5 2022 | Keller and the Pirates won't face the Mets on Monday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Pittsburgh, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The two teams are set to make up the contest as part of a split doubleheader Wednesday. Because the Pirates have an open date in the schedule Thursday, the team isn't expected to add a temporary seventh starter to the rotation, so Keller should stay on schedule to make a start against the Mets either Tuesday or Wednesday. Bryse Wilson and Johan Oviedo are in line to start the other two contests of the series. |
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| Aug 31 2022 | Keller allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 across six innings Tuesday against the Brewers. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller racked up a career high in strikeouts, backed by 14 swinging strikes across 105 total pitches. He otherwise primarily kept the ball on the ground, with his only blemish coming on a two-run home run by Kolten Wong in the fourth frame. Keller still has inconsistent results from start to start, but he has maintained a 3.50 ERA with a 48:15 K:BB across 54 innings in his last 10 outings. He also owns a 4.43 ERA and 1.46 WHIP for the season but should continue to get chances to stack positive starts out of Pittsburgh's rotation to close the campaign. |
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| Aug 24 2022 | Keller (4-10) took the loss in Wednesday's 14-2 rout at the hands of Atlanta, surrendering seven runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks over 3.2 innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander reeled off five straight quality starts sandwiched around the All-Star break, but Keller's solid run has come crashing to a halt as he's failed to get more than 11 outs in either of his last two outings. Fortunately for his ratios, a couple errors by Josh VanMeter kept any of Atlanta's five runs in the fourth from going on his ledger. Keller tossed 53 of 82 pitches for strikes Wednesday before getting the hook, and he'll carry a 4.50 ERA and 97:44 K:BB through 118 innings into his next start. |
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| Aug 19 2022 | Keller (shoulder) will start Wednesday at home against Atlanta, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He exited his start Tuesday with shoulder fatigue, and will end up getting a few extra days of rest while avoiding a stint on the injured list. Keller has a 4.26 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB in 25.1 innings over his last five starts. |
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| Aug 17 2022 | Keller (shoulder) was able to play catch Wednesday without any discomfort, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller's ability to do some light throwing one day after being pulled early in his start against the Red Sox is a good sign, but an upcoming bullpen session will be the real test of his health. If Keller's right shoulder presents no issues when he attempts to throw off a mound Thursday or Friday, he should be ready to make his next turn through the rotation Sunday against Cincinnati. |
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| Aug 16 2022 | Keller was removed from Tuesday's start against the Red Sox after two innings due to right shoulder fatigue, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller had reduced velocity before leaving the contest, and he's in line for the loss after surrendering five runs (four earned) on five hits with three strikeouts and one walk over two innings. It's unclear if the shoulder fatigue will affect the 26-year-old's availability for his next turn through the rotation, which tentatively lines up for Sunday versus the Reds. |
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| Aug 10 2022 | Keller (4-8) earned the win over Arizona on Wednesday, tossing 5.1 innings and allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller couldn't extend his streak of five straight quality starts, but he did something he wasn't able to do in any of his past four outings -- pick up a victory. The Pirates gave him an unusually decent amount of run support, and Keller capitalized by holding the Diamondbacks without an extra-base hit. The right-hander owned a 5.21 ERA through 16 starts on July 6, but he's been able to lower that to a much more respectable 4.25 with his recent solid stretch. Keller may finally be living up to the potential that made him a second-round draft pick by Pittsburgh in 2014. |
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| Aug 6 2022 | Keller (3-8) took the loss Friday, allowing one run on eight hits and a walk over six innings in a 1-0 loss to the Orioles. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was stingy but not dominant, tossing 54 of 87 pitches for strikes before exiting, but Keller got outdueled by Baltimore's Dean Kremer. Keller has delivered five straight quality starts, posting a superb 1.74 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB through 31 innings over that stretch as his offseason velocity gains appear to finally be paying off. |
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| Jul 31 2022 | Keller gave up one earned run on five hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings in a 2-1 loss to the Phillies on Saturday. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller issued a couple of early free passes and found himself in a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, but he got out of the frame with a couple of timely punchouts. He cruised through another five innings with the only damage coming on a J.T. Realmuto solo shot to right. After getting knocked around at the beginning of the season, Keller has been very effective in July, posting a 2.61 ERA over five starts. He will carry a 4.37 ERA and 1.42 WHIP into his next start. |
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| Jul 25 2022 | Keller did not factor into the decision against the Marlins on Sunday, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking none over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller threw 51 of 74 pitches for strikes in the contest, but left the game with his team down by one. The righty has strung together some solid games in July, with three quality starts in a row including Sunday's outing. After lasting six innings once throughout April and May, Keller has six such games since the start of June. Not only does he seem to have a longer leash, but he is also pitching better. Keller has a 2.88 July ERA and has lowered his season ERA to 4.55, the lowest it has been all year. |
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| Jul 17 2022 | Keller (3-7) gave up one unearned run, five hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings in a 2-0 defeat to the Rockies on Saturday. Keller was saddled with the loss. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was tasked with the tough assignment of pitching in Coors Field, but he held his own and didn't give up an earned run over six quality innings. The only unearned run surrendered by the Pirates with Keller on the mound was caused by an errant throw from Oneil Cruz on a play at first base. Connor Joe advanced to second on the play and later came in to score on a Kris Bryant single. The 26-year-old right-hander has now thrown two quality outings in a row, giving up only one earned run over 13 innings. Keller will look to build on the momentum and lower his 4.55 ERA in his next expected start against the Marlins after the All-Star break. |
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| Jul 11 2022 | Keller (3-6) allowed one run on five hits over seven innings Monday, striking out five and earning a win over the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller faced little pushback from Miami's lineup through five shutout frames until he finally coughed up a run in the sixth. It was a nice bounceback after he was tagged with nine runs on 19 hits and five walks over his previous two outings. The 26-year-old is in the midst of another inconsistent season with a 4.88 ERA and a 71:32 K:BB through 83 frames. Keller is projected to start in Colorado this weekend. |
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| Jul 7 2022 | Keller (2-6) took the loss to the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing four runs on 10 hits while striking out seven and walking one in six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller picked up seven strikeouts and allowed just one walk. Unfortunately for him, he faced a surging Yankees offense that put up 10 hits and four runs against him, including two home runs. The righty has allowed at least one run in each of his appearances this season and three or more runs in five of 12 outings, a major reason why he has just three quality starts. Keller will take a 5.21 ERA into his next outing where he'll look to get things going in the right direction. |
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| Jun 29 2022 | Keller allowed five earned runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out four across four innings Wednesday against the Nationals. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller particularly struggled through the first two innings of the outing, allowing three earned runs as well as seven hits and two walks. Though he rebounded a bit from there, he wasn't able to work deep enough into the game to overcome his poor start. Keller had maintained a 2.96 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across his previous four outings, though he still owns a subpar 5.14 ERA across 70 frames on the season. |
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| Jun 25 2022 | Keller didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Rays, giving up three runs on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out five, | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay jumped on Keller for three runs in the first inning, but he rebounded in impressive fashion, giving the Pirates a chance to mount a comeback. The right-hander tossed 62 of 96 pitches for strikes before exiting, and since getting stretched back out, Keller has a 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 23:12 K:BB through 27.1 innings over his last five starts. |
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| Jun 19 2022 | Keller allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks over six innings in Sunday's win over the Giants. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After coughing up a pair of runs in the first inning, Keller fired five scoreless frames to produce another solid performance. He retired 14 of the final 16 batters he faced, including a streak of 10 at one point. Since rejoining the rotation against the Dodgers on May 31, Keller has turned in four straight starts of at least five innings and fewer than three runs, and he's sporting a 18:11 K:BB and a 2.42 ERA during that stretch. The 26-year-old righty is expected to start in Tampa Bay next week. |
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| Jun 13 2022 | Keller yielded two runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.1 innings in Monday's loss to St. Louis. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller got through five shutout frames before running into trouble in the sixth inning. He was yanked after putting two Cardinals on base and was charged with both runs while Anthony Banda was on the mound. The 26-year-old righty has now gone five straight appearances without giving up more than two runs, lowering his season ERA from 6.61 to 5.07 during that stretch. Keller is lined up to face the Giants at home this weekend. |
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| Jun 8 2022 | Keller didn't factor in the decision during Wednesday's 3-1 loss to Detroit after giving up one run on four hits over six innings. He had seven strikeouts and two walks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was arguably the right-hander's best start of the campaign, as it's only the second time through 11 outings he's been able to complete six frames. Keller has pitched better of late with a 2.64 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB across his past four starts, but he still has a 5.26 ERA for the season. He tentatively lines up to face the Cardinals early next week. |
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| May 31 2022 | Keller (2-5) earned the win Tuesday versus the Dodgers. He allowed two runs on two hits and five walks with five strikeouts in five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The damage on Keller's line came in the form of a two-run home run by Trea Turner, but he was able to pitch around a lack of command. This was one of Keller's more effective starts this season, but he's pitched more productively out of the bullpen. The right-hander has a 5.77 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 37:20 K:BB through 43.2 innings across 10 outings (eight starts). It's unclear if Tuesday's start will earn him another turn through the rotation, but off days Thursday and Monday mean the Pirates won't need a fifth starter until some time next week. |
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| May 26 2022 | Keller allowed one earned run on five hits and a walk while striking out two across 3.1 innings Wednesday against the Rockies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller entered the game in the fourth inning after Zach Thompson was hit hard to begin the game. It was the second consecutive appearance out of the bullpen for Keller, and he's allowed two earned runs across five innings while posting a 6:3 K:BB. The Pirates have a day off Thursday, so it appears that the team opted to skip Keller's turn through the rotation. However, without another rest for six games, Keller is likely to return to the rotation at some point during the Pittsburgh's series against the Dodgers. |
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| May 18 2022 | Keller (1-5) earned the win during Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Cubs, allowing one run on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller lost his spot in the rotation but was used as the piggyback to opener Wil Crowe and was able to find success in the form of a win. The 26-year-old pitched well during the third and fifth innings, but struggled in the fourth and was lucky to surrender just one run despite putting four runners on. Manager Derek Shelton is yet to tab a starter for Tuesday's game against Colorado and Keller should be considered a candidate to toe the rubber. |
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| May 17 2022 | Keller is merely considered an option out of the bullpen for Wednesday's game against the Cubs, the game which would have been his next turn in the rotation, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller generated buzz over the winter due to reports of increased velocity. Those reports were accurate, as his fastball has averaged 96.2 mph this season after coming in at 93.9 mph last year, but the increased heat has had no effect on his results. He's struggled to a 6.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP through seven starts while striking out a career-low 17.6 percent of opposing batters. The Pirates haven't listed a starter for Wednesday's game, but it could be Roansy Contreras, who would be on turn for the outing after pitching Friday for Triple-A Indianapolis. |
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| May 13 2022 | Keller fell to 0-5 on the season after allowing five runs in 4.2 innings Friday against the Reds. He struck out just two batters while walking two and allowing five hits. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller generated some sleeper buzz over the winter after increasing his velocity, but the results have unfortunately been more of the same. He's now allowed at least four runs while failing to finish five innings in five of his first seven starts. He managed just a pair of scoreless innings this time around before allowing two runs in the third, one in the fourth and two more in the fifth. It's hard to see things suddenly changing in his next trip to the mound, when he'll carry his 6.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP to Wrigley Field. |
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| May 8 2022 | Keller allowed five earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three across 4.1 innings in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was handed a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but he immediately allowed two runs in the bottom of the frame. He also had a disastrous fourth inning that was capped by a three-run homer by Brandon Drury. As a result of his struggles, Keller was unable to work deep enough into the game to qualify for a win. While he's shown glimpses of improvement, Keller has allowed four or more earned runs in four of his six starts this season. The end result has been a 6.11 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with a 24:10 K:BB across his first 28 innings of the campaign. |
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| May 1 2022 | Keller (0-4) allowed a run on five hits and no walks while striking out five in six innings to take the loss against the Padres on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller posted his first quality start of the season during Sunday's outing, but he didn't get much help from the Pirates' offense and was forced to settle for his fourth loss in his first five starts in 2022. The right-hander now has a 5.32 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 23.2 innings this year. Although Keller was unable to enter the win column Sunday, it was encouraging to see him generate some success while throwing 85 pitches in the pitching duel. He tentatively lines up to start in one of the Pirates' two games during a twin bill in Cincinnati on Saturday. |
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| Apr 26 2022 | Keller did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Brewers, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one batter in 4.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After showing some signs of progress last week, Keller fell flat in a rematch with Milwaukee. He served up an early homer to Willy Adames and finished with more walks than strikeouts. Keller enticed with increased velocity in the offseason and spring training, but the results haven't been there early on, as he's allowed four runs on three of four occasions this season. The good news is that the Pirates are going to keep giving him chances in the starting rotation to see what he's made of. |
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| Apr 21 2022 | Keller (0-3) allowed one earned run on four hits and no walks while striking out seven across 5.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller entered Wednesday's start having walked five batters across only 7.2 innings of work. However, he was consistently in the zone against the Brewers, as 58 of his 75 pitches went for strikes, and he started ahead in the count for 17 of the 20 batters he faced. The overall results followed this improvement, as Keller allowed only a solo home run to Rowdy Tellez in the second inning. Though he still took the loss, this was an encouraging step for Keller, who lines up to make his next start Tuesday at home in a rematch against Milwaukee. |
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| Apr 16 2022 | Keller (0-2) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks over 3.2 innings as the Pirates were downed 7-2 by the Nationals. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The velocity gains Keller flashed in workout videos during the offseason have proven to be legit -- he popped 99.2 mph with a fastball in the first inning Friday and was consistently sitting in the high 90s -- but that hasn't done anything to alleviate the control and command issues that have plagued him in the majors. Keller now sports a 9.39 ERA, 2.35 WHIP and 12.2 percent walk rate through his first 7.2 innings this season, and until he can learn to harness his plus stuff, he'll remain difficult to deploy in fantasy. The 26-year-old right-hander is next scheduled to take the mound Wednesday in Milwaukee. |
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| Apr 9 2022 | Keller (0-1) gave up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four in four innings in Saturday's 6-2 loss in St. Louis. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller allowed a run in the first and three runs in the third, including a Paul DeJong two-run home run. The 26-year-old had a strong spring with a 2.92 ERA in four starts but scuffled in his 2022 debut. While Keller has thrived in the minor leagues, he has yet to find his way for the Pirates outside of five good starts in 2020. His next start will likely be at home against Washington at the end of next week. |
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| Apr 6 2022 | Keller secured a spot in the Pirates' Opening Day rotation and is scheduled to make his first start of the season Saturday in St. Louis, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller appeared to be on strong footing for a rotation spot heading into the spring, but he solidified his spot after submitting a 2.92 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB across 12.1 innings over his four starts. Though Keller's results weren't eye-popping on the surface, he and the Pirates are optimistic he can take a step forward in 2022 after he tinkered with his repertoire over the winter to incorporate a new-look slider featuring more horizontal break, according to Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic. The refined slider could emerge as a much-needed reliable breaking pitch to his upper-90s fastball, as Keller has thus far struggled to find a consistent secondary offering to complement the heater during his time in the majors. |
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| Mar 20 2022 | Keller (thigh) said Sunday he'll be fine to make his next start after being hit by a comebacker Saturday against the Tigers, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller made a precautionary exit from Saturday's contest after being struck in the thigh, but it shouldn't affect his status going forward. The 25-year-old made 23 starts for Pittsburgh last season and had a 6.17 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 92:49 K:BB over 100.2 innings, and he's attempting to retain a rotation spot during spring training. |
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| Mar 19 2022 | Keller isn't dealing with anything worse than a bruised thigh after getting hit by a comebacker Saturday against the Tigers, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller exited the game after getting hit, but that seems to be nothing more than a precautionary measure, as the Pirates had little reason to risk anything during a Grapefruit League game. Keller is merely considered day-to-day and had already thrown 18 pitches, so the incident should have minimal impact on his readiness for the upcoming season. |
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| Oct 3 2021 | Keller allowed a run on three hits and a walk over three innings in Sunday's loss to the Reds. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller turned in a pair of scoreless innings before coughing up an RBI to Nick Castellanos in the third. It was his shortest outing since June 10 but he lowered his ERA to 6.17 through 100.2 innings this season. The 25-year-old righty ended his 2021 campaign with a 92:49 K:BB, including a 24:10 K:BB since the start of September. |
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| Sep 22 2021 | Keller (5-11) gave up seven hits and four walks in 5.2 innings Tuesday, getting the win in a 6-2 decision over Cincinnati. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The victory was just his second in 11 starts dating back to May. Keller likely pitched better than his line, which included a pair of four-pitch walks to Jonathan India. He faced a season-high 25 batters as the organization tries to salvage a disappointing 2021 from one of its former top prospects. Keller has compiled a 5.96 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 93.2 innings, keeping fantasy managers on the sidelines. |
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| Sep 8 2021 | Keller (4-11) allowed four runs on 10 hits and one walk with six strikeouts through five innings, taking the loss in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat to the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller allowed a season-high 10 hits on the night, though only one went for extra bases. Still, the singles parade from the Tigers was enough to tag the right-hander for four runs and hand him his 11th loss of the season. On the plus side, Keller has posted a 14:1 K:BB in his first two starts of September. The sample size is obviously small, but a solid finish to the year could do wonders to improve Keller's standing within Pittsburgh's organization. |
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| Sep 3 2021 | Keller (4-10) did not factor into the decision Thursday pitching six scoreless innings on six hits with eight strikeouts in a loss to Chicago. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller turned in arguably his best start of the season Thursday in which he tied a season-high eight strikeouts across six scoreless innings. The right-hander was in-line for win No. 5 of the season when he exited after the sixth inning, but the bullpen immediately surrendered the lead taking a potential win away from Keller. The 25-year-old will take a 6.23 ERA into his next start, likely coming next week against Detroit. |
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| Aug 31 2021 | Keller won't start Wednesday against the White Sox as previously scheduled, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Max Kranick will instead be promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to take the mound for Pittsburgh. Assuming Keller is simply pushed back a day to start Thursday, it could be a beneficial change given he'd face the rebuilding Cubs rather than the division-leading White Sox. |
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| Aug 26 2021 | Keller (4-10) did not factor into the decision in a win over the Cardinals on Thursday, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing seven runs on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander struggled out of the gate Thursday surrendering seven runs across his first three innings, but was able to settle in before being removed in the sixth. After allowing no runs to the Cardinals in his previous start, Keller struggled against St. Louis on Thursday throwing only 51 of his 90 pitches for strikes. The 25-year-old will carry a 6.75 ERA into his next start, tentatively scheduled against the White Sox in Chicago next week. |
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| Aug 20 2021 | Keller (4-10) hurled five shutout innings to earn the win against St. Louis on Friday, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander scattered six hits in the outing, but none went for extra bases. He threw 56 of 89 pitches for strikes and issued only one free pass despite tossing a first-pitch ball to 12 of the 21 batters he faced. Keller snapped a streak of four straight losses and picked up his first win since May 29. He'll carry a 6.35 ERA into his next start, which is likely to come at home against Arizona next week. |
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| Aug 14 2021 | Keller (3-10) took the loss Saturday in the second game of a doubleheader against the Brewers, surrendering two runs on nine hits and a walk with three strikeouts over 4.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was death by a thousand cuts for Keller, who allowed at least two baserunners in each of the five innings in which he appeared. He was able to keep the Brewers off the board through three before allowing a trio of singles -- one of them plating a run -- and a run-scoring groundout in the fourth. Keller notched one out in the fifth before being lifted with his pitch count at 77. Keller has lost all three of his starts since rejoining the rotation at the beginning of August, logging a dismal 6.28 ERA and 2.02 WHIP in 14.1 innings during that stretch. Those numbers aren't far off of the 6.86 ERA and 1.85 WHIP he's posted in 61.2 innings overall this season. |
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| Aug 13 2021 | Keller and the Pirates won't play against the Pirates on Friday after the contest was postponed due to inclement weather, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Friday's contest will be made up as part of a doubleheader Saturday. Right-hander Bryse Wilson will start the first game of the twin bill, while Keller will take the mound in the nightcap, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. |
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| Aug 7 2021 | Keller (3-9) gave up four runs on seven hits and four walks over five innings in Saturday's loss to the Reds. He had four strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cincinnati got to Keller for three runs in the third inning and tacked on another with Nick Castellanos' solo home run in the fifth. Keller has yielded eight runs and 15 hits over 10 innings in his first two starts since returning from Triple-A Indianapolis, giving him an ugly 7.06 ERA and 1.81 WHIP in 57.1 frames on the year. Opponents are hitting .305 off of Keller and he's issued 33 free passes. |
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| Aug 4 2021 | Keller is listed as the Pirates' probable starter for Saturday's game in Cincinnati, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: At least for this week, the Pirates will be sticking with a six-man rotation, allowing Keller and Bryse Wilson to make their second starts with the club after both were recently activated. After a nearly two-month stint at Triple-A Indianapolis, Keller faltered in his return to the Pittsburgh rotation last weekend versus the Phillies. He gave the Pirates five innings but was touched up for four runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out two. |
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| Aug 2 2021 | Keller (3-8) was tagged with the loss Sunday against the Phillies after allowing four runs on eight hits while fanning two across five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller had a rough outing and while the bullpen was even worse, that can't hide the fact that the right-hander. He posted a 3.21 ERA across 28 innings at Triple-A, but he can't replicate those results at the big-league level and has posted a 7.05 ERA across 13 starts (52.1 innings). He has also given up at least four runs in three of his last five appearances. |
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| Jul 31 2021 | Keller will start Sunday's game against the Phillies, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday and will rejoin Pittsburgh's rotation two days later. The 25-year-old struggled with a 7.04 ERA in 12 starts before being demoted in mid-June to Triple-A, where he made eight starts and posted a 3.21 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB across 28 innings. |
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| Jul 30 2021 | Keller was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old has been in the minors since mid-June and will rejoin the big-league roster ahead of this weekend's series versus the Phillies. Keller last pitched for Indianapolis on July 24, and he finished the stint at Triple-A with a 3.21 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB over 28 innings. It's not clear when he'll take the mound, though he could slot into the rotation Sunday since Pittsburgh has yet to announce a starter for that day. |
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| Jun 12 2021 | Keller was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller has given up six earned runs in 4.2 innings over his last two starts and his season ERA sits at 7.04 with a similarly uninspiring 1.80 WHIP. Wil Crowe, who was recalled in a corresponding move, could be an option to take Keller's rotation spot. |
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| Jun 10 2021 | Keller (3-7) was charged with the loss Thursday against the Dodgers after surrendering four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three across 2.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Command issues seemed to plague Keller this time around. After giving up a leadoff homer to Mookie Betts in the first, Keller ran in a troublesome three-run third inning which he was unable to finish. The right-hander, who had previously only hit three batters in his career, struck two alone in the third frame. The mess piled on as opposing starter Julio Urias hit a bases-loaded, two-run single after Keller went 3-0 on Austin Barnes and intentionally walked him. That would be it for Keller, who fell victim to his second abbreviated outing in a row. The 25-year-old had left his last start Friday due to a heat-related illness before landing on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday. Keller will look to bounce back during his next projected start Tuesday at Washington. |
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| Jun 8 2021 | The Pirates reinstated Keller from the COVID-19-related injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was placed on the COVID-19-related injured list prior to Sunday's game against Miami. The right-hander left his Friday start with what was described as a heat-related illness, though it's still not clear if that's at all related to his brief stint on the injured list. In any case, Keller is back with the Pirates and should stay in line to start Thursday against Los Angeles. |
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| Jun 6 2021 | Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Keller (illness) will be placed on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Per Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Shelton said he couldn't confirm whether Keller's move to the IL was related to the heat-related illness that caused the right-hander's removal from his start Friday against the Marlins. Regardless, the Pirates don't seem to be concerned about a lengthy stay on the IL for Keller; according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Keller is listed as the team's probable starter for Thursday's game against the Dodgers. The 25-year-old has been a decent source of strikeouts (9.7 K/9) over his 11 starts, but his 3-6 record, 6.65 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 44.2 innings have limited his overall fantasy value. |
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| Jun 4 2021 | Keller was removed from Friday's game against the Marlins with a heat illness, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller only pitched two innings in Friday's start, and he allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out two. He's being evaluated to determine the extent of the issue, but it's not yet clear whether the illness will impact his availability going forward. |
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| May 29 2021 | Keller (3-6) earned the win in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rockies after tossing five scoreless innings, giving up two hits and two walks while fanning six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was coming off a woeful game with five runs allowed across five innings in his previous contest, but he bounced back admirably here and dominated the Rockies' lineup with ease. Keller gave up two or fewer runs in three of his five outings this month, and he's scheduled to pitch again next week at home against the Marlins. |
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| May 28 2021 | Keller won't pitch as scheduled Friday against the Rockies since the game was postponed due to inclement weather. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game will be made up via a doubleheader Saturday, and Keller will take the mound for Pittsburgh in the nightcap, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. |
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| May 22 2021 | Keller (2-6) took the loss Saturday as the Pirates were downed 6-1 by Atlanta, surrendering five runs on eight hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander coughed up at least five runs for the third time in nine starts, and the long ball was the culprit in this one as Keller served up multiple homers for the first time in 2021. He'll lug a 7.41 ERA and 40:21 K:BB through 37.2 innings into his next outing. |
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| May 16 2021 | Keller (2-5) allowed two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out eight in five innings to take the loss against the Giants on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was coming off his worst start of the season after he gave up seven runs in 3.1 innings to take the loss against the Reds on Monday. He fared slightly better in Sunday's outing, but he was still charged with his fifth loss in his first eight starts. Keller has posted a 7.16 ERA and 1.81 WHIP in 32.2 innings this season. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road Saturday against Atlanta. |
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| May 13 2021 | Keller will start Sunday against the Giants, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was originally slated to start Saturday's game but will still draw a matchup against the Giants after moving back one day. He'll look to bounce back from a poor outing his last time out, when he allowed seven earned runs across only 3.1 innings to the Reds. |
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| May 10 2021 | Keller (2-4) took the loss after giving up seven runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two over 3.1 innings Monday against the Reds. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller needed just six pitches to get through the first inning, but he found trouble in the fourth, surrendering six runs in the frame. This marks the second time this season Keller has given up seven runs in an outing, boosting his ERA to 7.81 across 27.2 innings. His next start tentatively lines up for Saturday against San Francisco. |
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| May 4 2021 | Keller (2-3) tossed 5.2 shutout innings against San Diego on Tuesday to earn the win, allowing two hits and two walks with five strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller turned in his best performance of the season against a strong San Diego offense. He ran into trouble the third time through the order and needs to work on going deeper into games to live up to his billing as a former top prospect in the organization. The right-hander will take a 6.29 ERA into his next start. |
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| Apr 28 2021 | Keller (1-3) was tagged with the loss Wednesday against the Royals after allowing four runs on three hits and five walks while fanning two across 2.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller had a rough outing Wednesday, giving up three runs in the first inning and failing to retire the side in order in any of the three innings he took part in. The right-hander has been very inconsistent this season, but he has given up three or more runs in three of his five outings to date while failing to pitch more than five innings in any of his starts. This translates to an inflated 8.20 ERA across his first 18.2 innings of work in 2021. He's slated to take the ball next week against the Padres on the road. |
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| Apr 22 2021 | Keller allowed two earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out five across five innings Thursday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller took advantage of a relatively soft matchup Thursday to turn in a strong effort. He avoided handing out a free pass for the first time this season, though his problem with the long ball persisted when he served up a home run to JaCoby Jones. Keller has proven to be very dependent on matchups this season, and his inconsistency is highlighted by a 7.16 ERA through 16.1 innings. He's currently projected to draw his next start against Kansas City on Wednesday. |
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| Apr 15 2021 | Keller (1-2) was charged with the loss against the Padres on Thursday, surrendering seven runs on nine hits and three walks. He struck out one over 3.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Most of Keller's damage came from a four-run first inning, during which the Padres hit early and hit hard, including an RBI double by Jake Cronenworth and a two-run home run by Manny Machado. Keller, who has struggled with command in what's been an up-and-down year, issued three walks, bringing his season total to eight. The right-hander will look to improve upon a disappointing 8.74 ERA and 2.12 WHIP when the Pirates head to Detroit on Wednesday. |
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| Apr 10 2021 | Keller (1-1) allowed one run on five hits and a walk while fanning seven across five innings in Saturday's win over the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller lasted just three innings in his season debut against the Cubs last Sunday, but he bounced back and avenged that loss against the division rival with a strong performance. Even though he finished three outs away from qualifying for a quality start, Keller looked composed on the mound for the first time in quite a while, as he also posted an 11.91 ERA in 11.1 innings during spring training. |
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| Apr 4 2021 | Keller (0-1) allowed three earned runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four across three innings, taking the loss against the Cubs on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was mediocre in his season debut with the Pirates. The righty struggled with command, throwing 77 pitches and walking four in three innings. Sunday's woes looked like a continuation of Keller's rough spring, where he posted an 11.91 ERA in 11.1 innings. Fortunately, he will have a long leash on a Pirates team that lacks pitching depth. Keller will get another look at the Cubs lineup in his next scheduled start Saturday. |
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| Mar 23 2021 | Keller gave up four runs (three earned) in 3.1 innings Monday, allowing seven hits and one walk while striking out three, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's fortunate that his rotation spot is likely secure because he's struggled all spring long. "I think today was a step in the right direction," manager Derek Shelton said. "He gave up some hits but the command was better. It's the best offspeed stuff we've seen all spring out of him." AT&T SportsNet analyst John Wehner wondered aloud whether Keller is tipping his pitches. Whatever the issue, fantasy owners have to hope the 24-year-old pitches like he did at the end of 2020, when he registered 11 hitless innings to conclude his campaign. |
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| Mar 18 2021 | Keller has allowed 12 earned runs in five spring innings, giving up 15 hits and three walks while striking out six, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "I mean the execution, we have to get cleaned up," manager Derek Shelton said. "I think we would have an issue if we didn't see stuff. We have the stuff there. Fastball command has been an issue, and he continued to miss up." If anything, Keller has gained velocity since last season, sitting in the 96-mph range. While his annual spring earned run averages have become comical -- his 21.60 ERA is nearly one run better than it was during spring training in 2019 (22.50 ERA) -- the team is looking for long-range improvement from Keller in 2021. Fantasy owners might expect exaggerated stretches, both good and bad, from the nearly 25-year-old this summer. |
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| Mar 2 2021 | Keller allowed two earned runs on three hits in one inning against the Blue Jays on Monday, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His debut probably didn't go as he planned, but Keller's fastball sat at 94 mph, and he retired the final batter he faced (Danny Jansen) with a 97 mph heater. "I just kinda said, '(forget) it' and threw it kinda hard like I'm used to," Keller said. "Didn't worry about where it went. I think when I throw harder, I actually locate better instead of trying to throw strikes." The right-hander has likely become a lock for the starting rotation following the departures of Jameson Taillon, Chris Archer, Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove. |
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| Sep 26 2020 | Keller allowed one run on eight walks and struck out three but did not give up a hit across five innings Friday against the Indians. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller's start may go down as the most bizarre pitching performance of the season. He walked the first three hitters of the game and was out of the inning two pitches later after getting a couple of groundouts, including a double play off the bat of Carlos Santana. Keller then went on to pitch four more innings of no-hit baseball while getting out of a second bases-loaded jam in the third. He had to be pulled after five innings because he was already at 98 pitches, but Friday's outing marks 11 straight innings that Keller has not allowed a hit. He'll head into the 2021 season with that streak intact but may want to work on his accuracy as he walked 18 batters in comparison to 16 strikeouts on the year. |
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| Sep 19 2020 | Keller fired six scoreless innings without allowing a hit prior to being pulled in a 5-4 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was dominant, but he also racked up 84 pitches (52 for strikes) through six innings. With the Pirates' brass looking towards the future, Keller's arm was saved at the expense of the no-hitter. The 24-year old will carry a 3.24 ERA into his fourth start of the season, which is scheduled for Friday in Cleveland. |
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| Sep 14 2020 | Keller gave up three runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four over three innings in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Reds. He didn't factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller found trouble in the second and third innings, surrendering three runs on a pair of home runs before exiting. He was likely on a short leash, with his last start dating back to Aug. 1 due to an oblique injury. He'll carry a 5.06 ERA and 1.59 WHIP with seven strikeouts over 10.2 frames into his next outing. |
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| Sep 13 2020 | The Pirates will activate Keller (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday to start one game of the team's doubleheader with the Reds, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller reported no pain in his strained left oblique coming out of a three-inning live batting practice session a few days ago, so he'll ready the Pirates to make his first appearance since Aug. 1. Due to the extended layoff, Keller likely won't be asked to work especially deep into Monday's contest, which renders him rather appealing for DFS contests. Keller may have more intrigue in season-long formats, as he would likely be in line to make his second start of the week Sept. 19 or Sept. 20 versus the Cardinals. |
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| Sep 9 2020 | Keller (oblique) threw 43 pitches over three innings during a live batting practice session Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller didn't face any setbacks after throwing 35 pitches Friday, and his return could be coming soon if he doesn't experience any issues following Wednesday's session. The right-hander has been sidelined for over a month with a left oblique strain, but he could get some work in over the final few weeks of the regular season. |
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| Sep 6 2020 | Keller (oblique) is set to throw another live batting practice session in the new few days, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller threw 35 pitches in two innings of batting practice Friday. With no setbacks from that session, Keller will throw again soon and could rejoin the rotation shortly thereafter. With just under a month remaining in the season, it's unclear how many starts Keller would be able to make, though the Pirates would likely want to see him return to the mound before the conclusion of the campaign. |
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| Sep 2 2020 | Keller (oblique) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old landed on the injured list in early August with a left oblique injury, but facing live hitters is a good sign for his progression. The Pirates plan for Keller to return to game action before the end of the season, but a more specific timeline for his return remains unclear. |
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| Aug 19 2020 | Keller (oblique) has played catch off flat ground as is expected to throw off a mound next week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller left early with an oblique issue in just his second start of the year. While it's certainly a positive that he's progressing in the right direction, his next time throwing off a mound will be his first in over three weeks, so he'll presumably need multiple sessions before being returning from the injured list. |
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| Aug 11 2020 | Keller (oblique) has yet to resume throwing, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller landed on the injured list in early August after leaving his second start of the year with an oblique injury. He's expected to play catch at some point before the end of the week, though that leaves him still quite a way from being able to return to game action. |
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| Aug 2 2020 | The Pirates are unlikely to have a timetable regarding the injury to Keller (oblique) for several days, general manager Ben Cherington told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cherington said the team will need more time to determine the severity of Keller's injury. "It takes a couple days to get a handle on it," the general manager noted. He applauded Keller for not trying to push through the oblique injury, something that may help the righty return to action sooner than if he had continued to pitch through the pain. |
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| Aug 1 2020 | Keller (1-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk over 2.2 innings Friday against the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller left Saturday's outing with side discomfort and is listed as questionable until the team announces further details regarding his status. Manager Derek Shelton said after the game he had no updates on the 24-year-old, and he said he hopes to have more information about his status Sunday morning. |
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| Jul 26 2020 | Keler (1-0) threw five innings Sunday, allowing one run and earning a win over the Cardinals. He walked three batters and struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite throwing just 47 of his 87 pitches for strikes and walking more batters than he fanned, Keller was able to keep the Cardinals' lineup fairly quiet. While it wasn't the most impressive outing, it's certainly a sign of improvement after he posted an abysmal 7.13 ERA as a rookie in 2019. Keller will get a tough matchup in Wrigley against the Cubs next weekend. |
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| Jul 21 2020 | Manager Derek Shelton confirmed Keller will start Sunday's series finale at St. Louis, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old received the start in Tuesday's intrasquad game, and he'll remain on the five-day schedule to begin the season. Keller made his major-league debut in 2019 and struggled with a 7.13 ERA in 11 starts, but he made a concerted effort during the shutdown to increase the spin efficiency on his fastball, which theoretically should help him miss more bats. |
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| Jul 7 2020 | Keller used his own Rapsodo device during the shutdown period to improve the spin efficiency on his fastball, Alex Stumpf of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like Keller was very self-motivated to improve as a pitcher during the shutdown period, using the Rapsodo (a pitch design tool) to up his spin efficiency from the low 90s to the 95th percentile. He has a reputation for having the velocity but not the ideal movement on his fastball, which is sometimes referred to as "straight", so if Keller's fastball can miss more bats he could be primed for a breakout 2020 season. Keller said Monday that he feels "really good" so he appears primed to open the season in Pittsburgh's rotation. |
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| Mar 8 2020 | Keller limited the Rays to one run on three hits and a walk in three-plus innings Sunday. He struck out five batters, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He threw his mid-90s fastball up in the zone effectively and was removed after walking the leadoff hitter in the fourth inning. "I thought he was better today," manager Derek Shelton said. "That was a really positive step forward for him." Keller matched his strikeout total from his first three outings combined. The righty is expected to make two more appearances before the regular season starts. |
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| Mar 2 2020 | Keller gave up three runs on three hits and one walk in 2.1 innings against Toronto on Monday. He struck a pair of batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He surrendered a two-run homer to Danny Jansen among the hits he allowed. After an encouraging first spring start, Keller's Grapefruit League earned-run average has climbed to 7.50 through three appearances and six innings. The expected loss of Steven Brault (shoulder) helps Keller's chances of sticking in the rotation, but he's not setting himself apart from the team's other options. |
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| Feb 27 2020 | Keller allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in 1.2 innings against Boston on Wednesday. He struck out three batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He gave up an opposite-field homer to Jarren Duran but otherwise pitched well. Keller was removed from the game after reaching his 33-count pitch limit. So far the righty is making a strong case for opening the season in Pittsburgh's starting rotation. |
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| Feb 22 2020 | Keller hurled two scoreless innings in Pittsburgh's Grapefruit League opener Saturday. He allowed two hits with no walks or strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was sitting mid-90s with his fastball. Keller was torched for 10 earned runs in four spring innings last year and perhaps the outing helps to give the righty a bit of confidence in an otherwise meaningless game. Keller compiled a 7.13 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 11 starts and 48 innings in 2019. He did show promise with 65 whiffs and a 28.6 strikeout percentage. |
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| Feb 20 2020 | Keller will start Pittsburgh's Grapefruit League opener against the Twins on Saturday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller will open up Grapefruit League play for the Pirates, and the plan is for him to go one or two innings before exiting. The 23-year-old struggled in his first taste of the majors in 2019, though his underlying numbers suggest he deserved better results. |
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| Sep 24 2019 | Keller allowed one run on seven hits with two walks and seven strikeouts across five innings during a no-decision against the Cubs on Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates offense didn't get on the board until the seventh, so Keller had to settle for a no-decision, but he's yielded two runs or fewer with seven strikeouts in his last two outings. Keller has shown signs of stardom, but he's been best in the strikeouts department, raking up 41 punchouts in his last 26.2 innings this season. He is 1-5 with a 7.13 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 48 innings this season. The Pirates are going with a six-man rotation this week, so unless it comes in relief, that's the last of Keller this season. |
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| Sep 17 2019 | Keller (1-5) allowed two runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts across five innings while taking a loss against the Mariners on Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 23-year-old has been very inconsistent this season, but obviously, this was one of his better starts. Unfortunately, the Pirates didn't support him with any runs, so it still led to a loss. Keller improved his numbers, but they still look bad -- 7.74 ERA, 1.84 WHI, .351 batting average against. The one thing he has been able to supply is strikeouts -- 58 in 43 frames. Keller will make his next start at the Brewers on Sunday. |
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| Sep 10 2019 | Keller (1-4) took the loss against the Giants on Tuesday, giving up five earned runs on nine hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking none as the Pirates fell 5-4. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller made his return after a knock to the wrist pushed his start back, but it didn't go well, with the Giants jumping on him for three earned in the first inning before added two more in the fifth and chasing him after 93 pitches. He's only thrown 38 big-league innings this season, but the results haven't been pretty, with Keller sporting a bloated 8.29 ERA and 1.87 WHIP in his nine starts. |
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| Sep 7 2019 | Keller (wrist) will start Tuesday against the Giants, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A 105-mph line drive off the bat of Garrett Cooper hit Keller in the wrist and forced him from Tuesday's start after 1.2 innings. Keller is not quite ready to make his next start on schedule -- James Marvel will start Sunday in his absence -- but it sounds like Keller will not even miss a full turn through the rotation. He lines up to oppose fellow rookie Logan Webb in San Francisco. |
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| Sep 5 2019 | Keller (wrist) will try to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The swelling in his wrist reportedly subsided Wednesday, but it sounds like he's not out of the woods just yet. If he is able to throw a bullpen Thursday and it goes well, he could make his scheduled start Sunday. However, if things don't progress as the Pirates hope, James Marvel is on hand to make Sunday's start if necessary. |
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| Sep 4 2019 | The swelling in Keller's wrist subsided Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports, but the Pirates are still uncertain if he will make his next scheduled start. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was forced from his last start Tuesday after being struck on the wrist by a line drive, but initial tests indicate he avoided any type of serious injury. Keller's spot will come up again Sunday, which gives the Pirates a couple more days to determine whether or not he will be able to take the ball. |
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| Sep 3 2019 | Keller was diagnosed with a right wrist bruise after being struck by a line drive Tuesday against the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Keller was hit by a 105 mph line drive off the bat of bat of Garrett Cooper during the second inning and immediately exited the game, but the initial diagnosis indicates he avoided a fracture. The 23-year-old's next turn through the rotation is scheduled for Sunday against the Cardinals, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to make said start. |
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| Aug 28 2019 | Keller (1-3) struck out eight but allowed eight runs on 11 hits with one walk across | four innings while taking a loss against the Phillies on Wednesday. |
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| Aug 23 2019 | Keller struck out nine while allowing one run on six hits and a walk across six | innings during a no-decision against the Reds on Friday. |
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| Aug 18 2019 | Keller (1-2) took the loss against the Cubs on Sunday, pitching 4.1 innings and | giving up six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five. |
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| Aug 15 2019 | Keller is listed as the Pirates' scheduled starter for Sunday's game against the | Cubs. |
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| Aug 12 2019 | Keller (1-1) picked up the win against the Angels on Monday, giving up two runs | (one earned) on five hits over five innings, striking out four and walking two in |
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| Aug 9 2019 | Keller will start Monday's game in Anaheim, Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | reports. |
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| Aug 8 2019 | Keller is expected to join the big-league rotation next week, Jason Mackey of the | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. |
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| Aug 6 2019 | Keller could be an option to join the big-league rotation following the demotion | of Dario Agrazal. |
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| Jun 19 2019 | Keller was optioned<\/a> to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 18 2019 | Keller allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks across five innings in a no-decision against the Tigers on Tuesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 16 2019 | Keller will start at home against the Tigers on Tuesday, SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 16 2019 | Keller will start at home against the Tigers on Tuesday, 93.7 The Fan<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 16 2019 | Keller will start at home against the Tigers on Tuesday, general manager Neal Huntington said on SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh<\/a>. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 13 2019 | Keller didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 8-7 extra-innings loss to Atlanta, coughing up six runs on 10 hits and two walks over three innings while striking out two. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 12 2019 | The Pirates will recall Keller from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Wednesday's game against the Braves, Adam Berry of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 12 2019 | Keller was recalled<\/a> from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Braves. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 10 2019 | Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Keller is \"in the conversation\" to join the big club and start Wednesday's game against the Braves, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 28 2019 | Keller was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 27 2019 | Keller (0-1) took the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over four innings in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 27 2019 | Keller (0-1) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over four innings Monday in a loss to the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 26 2019 | The Pirates confirmed<\/a> that Keller would be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start the second game of Monday's doubleheader Monday against the Reds. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 25 2019 | Keller will be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to start in Monday's doubleheader against the Reds, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com <\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 19 2019 | Keller had his start at Triple-A Indianapolis scheduled for Sunday pushed back to Tuesday, Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 26 2018 | Keller tossed eight scoreless innings Monday for Double-A Altoona in its 4-0 win over Harrisburg. He worked around one hit and two walks and struck out six. | It was the longest outing of the season for Keller, who found redemption after ceding nine runs and six walks over 10 innings in his previous two starts against Harrisburg. The 21-year-old's 8.0 K/9 on the campaign doesn't jump off the page, but there's something to be said about his ability to consistently work deep into his starts. He has covered no fewer than six frames in any of his last eight appearances. |
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