Pittsburgh Pirates look to finish homestand strong against the Twins

FRIDAY: Mitch Keller vs Joe Ryan

Mitch Keller has been one of the hotter pitchers in baseball over the last few weeks, allowing two runs or less in each of his last five starts. Overall, in his last seven games, he's 5-1 with a 2.47 ERA in 43.2 innings pitched.

Taking on Keller will be the Twins' own ace, Joe Ryan. The 28-year-old right hander is 4-4 this season with a 3.38 ERA in 72 innings pitched. He is, however, coming off a very poor start against the Houston Astros, allowing five earned runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings pitched. He allowed four home runs in that start.

SATURDAY: TBD vs Simeon Woods Richardson

The Pirates have not announced who their starter will be on Saturday, but it wouldn't be surprising to see third-year righty Luis Ortiz get the spot start. He's 2-2 this season with a 2.94 ERA in 33.2 innings pitched. He is also currently posting a career-best FIP of 3.61.

Woods-Richardson is in his first full MLB season after appearing in one game each of the last two seasons. He's been solid for the Twins with a 3.05 ERA, 3.57 FIP, and 128 ERA+ in 44.1 innings pitched, striking out 36 while walking 11. He has allowed just four home runs so far this season. That being said, don't expect him to go deep in the game, as he's averaging just under five innings per start this season.

SUNDAY: Jared Jones vs Bailey Ober

After his tremendous start against the Dodgers, Jones will look to stay on the right path on Sunday when he takes on the Twins. Jones is now holding a 3.25 ERA in 69.1 innings pitched this season with 76 strikeouts and 15 walks.

For the Twins, right-handed fourth year starter Bailey Ober will take the mound. Ober has struggled this season across 12 starts, holding a 4.94 ERA coming into this weekend across 62 innings. His FIP suggests he's been a bit unlucky, with a 4.43 mark sitting well below his ERA, but he has been giving up the long ball at a poor rate, allowing 1.6 home runs per nine innings.