PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He started getting a little choked up when talking about being named to the All-Star Game. Mitch Keller said manager Derek Shelton didn't really tell him, he too was emotional and it was hard to get the words out. So it was more of a look than a speech of finding out he was honored.
You can understand the emotion when you think about Keller's journey. A 2014 second round pick, Keller's stock gained momentum as he progressed through the Pirates minor league system. By the time he put together a 3.56 ERA with 123 strikeouts in 103 innings in 2019, fairly or not, he was the next Gerrit Cole. Keller was to be the ace who would lead the team forward.
He would get called up to the Pirates that 2019 season. The joy of his Major League debut turned into the first adversity of his baseball life. The right-hander won ONE of his first 11 starts with a 7.13 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP. His control wavered over the next couple of seasons that also included a trip back to AAA for eight games.
It was just 14 months ago, Keller had a 6.61 ERA and was demoted to the bullpen. The 27-year-old returned to the starting rotation and while he didn't win a lot of games, he pitched so well he lowered his earned run average by nearly three runs by the end of the season.
"A lot of hard work," Keller said. "A lot of people supporting me along the way-family, coaches, teammates, probably a lot of people I'm missing too. A lot of people, everything the past couple of years. It's a really cool moment."
Along with adding a new pitch, what else Keller learned is to stay in the moment. He doesn't think about issues out of his control, he says that's when he gets him in trouble.
Now that he's recognized as one of the best in the game by his peers, is that validation?
"To be recognized is really cool," Keller said Sunday. "Validation, I don't know. As soon as you say you've made it, the game will humble you right back. I'm trying to stay the same guy. Super cool recognition, I'm just super-proud of myself and proud of everyone else who's helped me along the way."
He hopes to get in the game in Seattle, but if not, he's proud of getting this opportunity. In the days around the other all-stars next week, Keller said the goal is to open his ears and close his mouth.
He will approach it with an unofficial motto he's adopted.
"Just go out there and play," Keller said. "Let the hard work and execution take care of itself."
