This is a kid who was a very highly touted prospect and had to grind a little bit and discovered himself. Shelton later told reporters it was a special moment breaking the news to Keller. Keller went 2-5 with a 3.09 after the All-Star break. A brief stint in Triple-A last spring helped him refine a sinker that became an important secondary pitch during a promising second half.
This is cool."Īfter struggling in his first three big league seasons, Keller revived his career in 2022, going 5-12 with a 3.91 ERA in 31 games, with 29 starts. “Yeah, we will,” said Keller, who added, “I can't wait to tell my parents. You and Clanc, go ahead and celebrate,” the manager said, referring to Keller's wife, Clancy. Shelton then handed Keller a bottle of Champagne. “Thanks! This is so sick!” said Keller, who requested another hug. Shelton told Keller how proud he was of the hard work the pitcher put in transforming himself from prospect to big leaguer. Shelton offered a congratulatory handshake and the two hugged. “Ha ha!” Keller said, taking a moment to let it sink in. “How many do you think you'll throw on the 30th?” Shelton asked. In a video posted on the Pirates' Twitter feed, Shelton and Keller sat down in the manager's office and began discussing the right-hander's side session.
Shelton broke the news to the 26-year-old right-hander on Wednesday that he'll get the nod when Pittsburgh begins the season at Cincinnati on March 30. Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton handed Mitch Keller the opening day assignment - and a celebratory bottle of bubbly.
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