Mitch Keller Struggles In First Start Of 2021
Mitch Keller pitched three innings and earned the loss on Sunday, allowing three runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four. Long touted as one of the better pitching prospects in the game, Keller has yet to see that potential translate to the major league level. Awful is the best way to describe Keller's spring performance, as he allowed 16 runs — 15 earned — on 23 hits and eight walks while striking out 11 in 11 1/3 innings. At this point, until Keller can show significant turnaround and string together multiple good outings in a row, managers should avoid him in all formats.
Source: MLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Source: MLB.com
Jared Jones, Mitch Keller Available For Trade
Jared Jones and Mitch Keller available for trade at the Winter Meetings. Destin noted Jones is "very available." The Pirates have expressed interest in acquiring some offensive pieces, and moving one of these starting pitchers would put them in a good position to acquire a potent bat. Keller has typically operated as the workhorse in the Pittsburgh rotation, logging over 175 innings in each of the past two seasons. Last summer, Keller posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Jared Jones made his major league debut last summer and showed great potential. In his first 121 2/3 big league innings, the young right-hander held a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while generating a strong 26.2% K rate. With Paul Skenes looking like a clear ace and Bubba Chandler nearing his major league debut, moving one of these starters could provide Pittsburgh a much-needed spark to their lineup.
Source: Andrew Destin
According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made starting pitchers Source: Andrew Destin
Mitch Keller Bounces Back In Tuesday's Win
Mitch Keller was stellar in Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Rangers. Keller pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits and no walks with nine strikeouts. This was a welcome outing for the Pirates and fantasy managers, as Keller had allowed a combined 15 earned runs in his previous two starts. His performance has fluctuated at times, but the 28-year-old is now 11-7 with a 3.76 ERA, an 8.13 K/9 rate, and a 2.43 BB/9 rate in 25 starts and 148 1/3 IP. His next start is slated to be a decent matchup against the Cubs. Hopefully, he can string together another solid outing.
Source: MLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Source: MLB.com
Mitch Keller Roughed Up In Loss To Padres
Mitch Keller struggled in an 8-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Keller allowed eight runs on eight hits over five innings while striking out two and walking two to take the loss. Most of the damage came via a three-run homer in the first inning and a two-run shot in the third. Keller has mostly pitched well this season but he's really struggled over his past two starts, having allowed 15 earned runs in nine innings over that span. Overall, he has a 10-7 record, 3.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts over 141 1/3 innings of work. Keller will look to get back on track in his next start which is set for Tuesday against the Texas Rangers. Fantasy gamers might want to leave him on the bench for that outing, thanks to his recent rough stretch.
Source: MLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Source: MLB.com
Mitch Keller Pitches Well In No-Decision
Mitch Keller looked solid on the mound during Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander struck out six batters while allowing only two runs on two hits in a no-decision. Keller went seven strong innings, but the offensive support came after he was out of the game. He'll take a 3.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 114/34 K/BB ratio into a rematch against the D-Backs next weekend.
Source: mlb.com
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Source: mlb.com
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