MITCH KELLER NEWS

Drops third straight 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Gives up eight vs. Reds 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Gets little help in loss 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Gets little help in loss 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Let down by bullpen Saturday 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Allows three homers in loss 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.

Impact Keller's control was on point throughout, striking out at least seven 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 with his next start, scheduled to take place at home against the Nationals.

SEPTEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Bounces back with brilliant outing 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Shelled in loss 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 14 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles against Dodgers 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Rain cuts short start 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Little run support Sunday 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Fires seven strong innings 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Fires seven strong innings 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.

Impact 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 strong 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.

JULY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Pulled after three innings 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Collects 10th win 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Allows five earned runs in loss 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.

Impact 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.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Fades late in Tuesday's win Keller (9-4) picked up the win in Tuesday's 9-5 victory over the Reds, giving up four runs (three runs) on six hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out six.

Impact 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.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Fans seven in no-decision 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.

Impact Keller got off to a rocky start, surrendering a solo home run to William Contreras in the second at-bat of the game before then allowing another two runs in the third following back-to-back walks to open the frame. The right-hander would fail 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.

APRIL 26 • ROTOWIRE

Tagged with second loss 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.

Impact 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.

APRIL 21 • ROTOWIRE

Gets early shutdown Keller will not start Sunday's season finale against the Marlins, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Punches out six in no-decision 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wins despite yielding seven runs 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hurls eight shutout innings Keller (12-9) earned the win Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings against Washington while striking out seven.

Impact Keller was spectacular Thursday, allowing only two singles over eight innings of work, with one of those coming in the first at-bat of the game. It was a great bounceback start after the right-hander matched his season high with eight runs allowed in his previous outing, and it marked the third time this season in which he's gone at least eight innings. Keller has now won three of his last four decisions (spanning five starts), posting a 37:6 K:BB over that stretch.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Crushed in Atlanta Keller (11-9) yielded eight runs on 12 hits over five innings Friday, striking out four and taking a loss against Atlanta.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Continues hot stretch on mound 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.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE