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.
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.
Pirates' Mitch Keller: Let down by bullpen Saturday
Rotowire
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.
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.
Pirates' Mitch Keller: Allows three homers in loss
Rotowire
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.
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.
Pirates' Mitch Keller: Bounces back with brilliant outing
Rotowire
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.
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.
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.
Keller never found his footing in this one, as he failed to record an out before surrendering a three-run home run to Jake Cronenworth in the opening frame. The right-hander 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. He 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.
