On August 17, the Royals made a curious move with Brad Keller, one of the team’s few starting pitchers under contract beyond 2022: they moved him to the bullpen. At the time, Keller had just made his 22nd start of the season. It did not go well. He lasted only three innings and gave up eight runs, all earned, while surrendering nine hits and three walks with only three strikeouts. The Royals lost the game against the Dodgers, 13-3.
But the start before that one was much better: Keller tossed six innings of one-run ball (off a solo home run) allowing just seven total baserunners while striking out four.