3 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Pirates Series Victory In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 19: Colin Moran #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is congratulated by Josh Bell #55 and Bryan Reynolds #10 after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 19: Colin Moran #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is congratulated by Josh Bell #55 and Bryan Reynolds #10 after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MAY 16: Trevor Williams #34 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 16, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MAY 16: Trevor Williams #34 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park May 16, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

It’s Mitch Keller time

As we discussed above, the Pirates have been decimated by injuries this season. This includes the starting rotation. Due to this, it is time for Mitch Keller to be promoted to the MLB level.

The team’s top pitching prospect was originally slated to pitch for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, but that start has now been pushed back to Tuesday night. Chris Archer will start for the Pirates on Tuesday, but, as of this writing, the team does not have a starting pitcher announced for Wednesday. Could this be Keller? Did the Pirates push his start back on Sunday so that his next start could come at the MLB level? We will have to wait and see.

Jordan Lyles could start on Wednesday on regular rest, but the team could roll with Keller as well. Even if Keller does not start Wednesday, the team will need him at some point on the upcoming homestand.

Say they roll with Archer Tuesday, Lyles Wednesday, an opener Thursday, and Joe Musgrove on Friday, this leaves them in need of a starting pitcher on Saturday. If Keller does not start Wednesday, then he needs to on Saturday.

Next. Should The Bucs Try Will Craig At Third Base?. dark

With the month of May coming close to an end, the Pirates remain in contention in the National League. This is despite their two best starting pitchers – Taillon and Williams – being on the IL. With the team’s top two starters on the IL, it’s Keller time in Pittsburgh.