The Pirates are set to activate right-hander Mitch Keller from the injured list in advance of tomorrow’s doubleheader against the Reds, manager Derek Shelton told reporters (including Adam Berry of MLB.com). He’ll get the start for one of those games.
The 14-29 Pirates have long been buried in the National League’s postseason field. Nevertheless, it’ll be nice to get a handful of starts from Keller down the stretch, as the 24-year-old is a critical part of the organization’s future. The former top prospect only has a 6.63 ERA in his first 55.2 MLB innings, but his 3.77 FIP hints at the mid-rotation upside for which he’s long been lauded.
While Keller entered 2020 looking like a potential breakout candidate, he’s been limited to just two starts by left side discomfort. Out since August 2, he’s now seemingly in line for three more starts to stake a claim to a spot in Pittsburgh’s 2021 rotation. There should be ample opportunity for Keller to pitch himself back into that mix. Joe Musgrove profiles as one of the league’s more likely trade candidates this offseason, while Chris Archer is a good bet to be cut loose on the heels of thoracic outlet surgery. Trevor Williams has struggled, while Chad Kuhl’s solid 3.38 ERA comes with much shakier peripherals.
Keller’s 2019 was probably the most unlucky season I’ve ever seen. 7.13 ERA, .475 BABIP (literally the highest single season BABIP mark by any starting pitcher with at least 40 innings pitched), but a 3.19 FIP, 3.47 xFIP, 3.78 SIERA, and 87.4 MPH exit velo. Pirates, striaght-up, had probably the worst defense I’ve seen in a while in 2019, which probaby didn’t help Keller. I knew something was up with Keller in that second game because all of a sudden, he just couldn’t locate any pitches after like the second inning.
I’m kind of shocked they’re bring him back this season, especially considering that the Pirates are racing for the #1 pick in 2021’s draft, the season is almost over, and that Keller will likely be there by the time they’re in competition again, which I’d predict around 2023-ish. Hopefully, he’s not being rushed back.
I agree with you on the most unlucky start to a career you could have. Probably want him to get a start or two to get some confidence before next season.
Knowing the pirates they will sell low this off season. Next Glanow.
That was the old regime. They’re not about to sell low on their players, and they defintiley won’t be selling Keller at all.
Dumb take. Glassnow had horrible peripherals to go along with bad production. Keller’s periphs are fantastic.
I think the Pirates might pick up Archers option if he’s healthy. They don’t have much starting options. Worse case scenario they flip him next trade deadline.
It actually wouldn’t surprise me to see them exercise Archer’s option. They figure to ditch most of their Arb cases, and Archer/Musgrove/Keller/Taillon is at least something worth watching..
That’s of course assuming there’s revenue sharing/fannies in the seats next year. If not, c’ya.
It would not be surprising to the see the Pirates exercise Archer’s option, it would be MIND BOGGLING.
If Chris Archer were Shane Bieber, Nutting is still not paying an 8 figure salary after a year of losing revenue. No way he does it for a Chris Archer that is Chris Archer, coming off TOS surgery no less.
Brubaker will only cost like $500,000. Kuhl fills out the last spot, probably.
Come on, you know that’s a ridiclous statement. He still picked up Marte’s option for 2020 before he was traded, paying him $11.5 million. They’re still paying Polanco 8.6 million. He would pick up a Cy Young candidate’s option who’s option was worth less than $15 million.
Mick Kelleher?
Even suggesting the Pirates will pick up Archer’s option shows a total lack of knowledge of the history of Nutting’s ownership. And the Pirates might get the first pick but there is hardly any guarantee that Kumar Rocker will sign.