Talking to Mitch Keller in spring training, he said 2022 was "now or never" for him. He had a revamped fastball, renewed confidence and a prime opportunity to finally break out.
Seven starts into the season, that proclamation doesn't look so good. Pulled after just 4 2/3 innings Friday, Keller allowed five earned runs and took yet another loss as the Pirates fell to the Reds, 8-2, at PNC Park.
Keller was hit hard and often, allowing 11 hard-hit batted balls (95+ mph exit velocity). It was just the third time in his career he's ever surrendered that many, and the most it's happened to any Pirates pitcher this year.