PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Adding a trio of right-handed relievers at the MLB Trade Deadline, the Pirates also lost their highest paid starting pitcher for the rest of the regular season.
Right-hander Mitch Keller placed on the 60-day injured list with ‘right arm teres major muscle injury’.
After struggling to a 5.14 ERA before the All-Star Break, Keller seemed to find himself after 13 days between starts. He threw five scoreless in a no-decision at the Yankees and 5.1 innings allowing two runs against Arizona. But in his last start Sunday, Keller lasted only two innings giving up seven runs on six hits and four walks.
Initially the Pirates recalled Brandon Eisert to take his roster spot, but with the three pitching additions, one of those likely will ultimately replace Keller on the roster. Keller’s spot in the rotation could be taken by right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski who was 2-3 with a 4.30 ERA in nine starts to begin the season. Mlodzinski was 4-0 with a 2.15 ERA in 16 appearances as a reliever.
On the season the 30-year-old Keller was 6-8 with a 5.29 ERA after going 6-15 with a 4.19 ERA in 2025. Keller is under contract for two more years.
Veteran righty starter on 60-day IL, could be another shot for Mlodzinski
Veteran righty starter on 60-day IL, could be another shot for Mlodzinski
