DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Derek Shelton approached Mitch Keller after his bullpen session Wednesday, wanting to know how he was feeling. Keller said he felt fine after his 25 pitches.
"OK, how many do you think you'll throw on the 30th?" Shelton asked.
After wondering out loud what's happening the 30th, it clicked for Keller. He is going to be the Pirates' opening day starter whenever they take on the Reds March 30 in Cincinnati.
"It was actually pretty emotional for him," Shelton said to traveling media. "He was pretty fired up. Those are special moments.