\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"“It was actually pretty emotional for him,” Shelton said before the Pirates' 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday. “He was pretty fired up. Those are special moments. This is a kid who was a very highly touted prospect and had to grind a little bit and discovered himself. It was a cool moment. Gave him a bottle of champagne and told him and \\[his wife\\] Clancy to enjoy it.”\n\n\"There’s a lot of people around me that have helped me along my way and through thick and thin — and through the good times, too,\" Keller said. \"It’s really cool moment for everybody involved, not just myself. It’s really cool.\n\nThe decision, in some respects, was an inevitability. Keller is coming off the best year of his career, a season in which he logged career-highs in innings (159) and strikeouts (138), as well as career-bests in ERA (3.91) and FIP (3.88). Getting to this point, however, required Keller to wade through the desert of despair.\n\nKeller, a second-round selection in the 2014 MLB Draft, flashed top-of-the-rotation stuff during his first couple of seasons, but he never put everything together. He struggled, and struggled hard. From 2019 to '21, Keller owned a 6.02 ERA across 170 1/3 innings. In '21, the Pirates sent Keller down to Triple-A Indianapolis.\n\nIn 2022, Keller underwent an evolution. He re-discovered his fastball velocity. He added a sinker. He added a sweeper. Keller re-invented himself on the fly, and following three seasons of tribulations, he finally found success.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2023-02-25T19:52:47.122Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-02/25/02a7e453-4085e27b-feb1e12d-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Mitch Keller strikes out two Blue Jays over two innings in his first outing of Spring Training","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:48","slug":"mitch-keller-strikes-out-a-pair","tags":[{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-134","title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","team":{"__ref":"Team:134"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-656605","title":"Mitch Keller","person":{"__ref":"Person:656605"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"in-game-highlight","title":"in-game highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight-reel-starting-pitching","title":"highlight reel starting pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"grapefruit-league","title":"Grapefruit League","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"game-action-tracking","title":"game action tracking","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"international-feed","title":"International Partner feed","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"alexa","title":"alexa","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/sbzowyj5oudllcuf7jzg"},"title":"Mitch Keller strikes out a pair","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/mitch-keller-strikes-out-a-pair"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"“Everybody aspires to be an Opening Day starter at some point in their career, but for young guys coming up, I do think it’s something they can look and say, ‘Hey, this is a guy who came through our system,’” Shelton said.\n\nKeller wouldn’t have flourished without seeking this evolution \\-\\- and he’s continued to grow this spring, adding a cutter into his mix. But the 26-year-old’s most significant area of growth has been his mentality.\n\nOn multiple occasions last season, Keller discussed his growing confidence, his ability to be unshakeable in the face of tough situations. He admitted that, during the infancy of his career, he might have looked towards the dugout for someone to take him out of a game when things got rough. In 2022, by contrast, Keller exhibited the bravado to finish what he started, to pitch until his manager took the ball from his hands.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2022-09-23T01:02:24.757Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-09/22/434c6da9-7259c1a4-fed203a6-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Mitch Keller strikes out seven over six innings, allowing four hits and two runs against the Cubs","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:21","slug":"mitch-keller-k-s-seven-x5761","tags":[{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-134","title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","team":{"__ref":"Team:134"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-656605","title":"Mitch Keller","person":{"__ref":"Person:656605"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight-reel-pitching","title":"highlight reel pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"in-game-highlight","title":"in-game highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"group-9","title":"group 9","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"eclat-feed","title":"Eclat feed","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"international-feed","title":"International Partner feed","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/aaz2ispy7fop04peadbb"},"title":"Mitch Keller K's seven","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/mitch-keller-k-s-seven-x5761"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Shelton pointed to Keller’s outing on Sunday against Atlanta as an example of how the right-hander can navigate tough waters. Keller sputtered out of the gate, allowing a solo home run in the first inning, then allowing an RBI single in the second. Early in his career, Keller might have let those two rough frames affect the rest of his outing. Instead, Keller retired the side in the third and fourth innings, striking out two batters in each frame.\n\n“Now, he’s taking charge,” Shelton said. “You really saw it in the third and fourth innings. That may have been the best stuff I’ve ever seen him have. He went right back out after people.”","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/mitch-keller-named-pirates-2023-opening-day-starter","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Derek Shelton didn’t know the best way to tell Mitch Keller the good news. So he started with a series of questions.\nHow did your side session go today? How many pitches did you throw? How many do you think you’ll throw on the 30th?\nThe last","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"GameTag","gamePk":719109,"slug":"gamepk-719109","title":"2023/03/15 pit@tor","type":"game"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"justice-delos-santos","title":"Justice delos Santos","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-134","title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","team":{"__ref":"Team:134"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-656605","title":"Mitch Keller","person":{"__ref":"Person:656605"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"grapefruit-league","title":"Grapefruit League","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/izawvgp47crn4aoelpsr","title":"Mitch Keller named Pirates' 2023 Opening Day starter"},"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/pit/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t134-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t134-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Ticket Info & Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/information-request","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Assurance","linkUrl":"/tickets/assurance","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2021","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Family & Friends 4-Pack","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs/family-4-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bucs Flex Plan","linkUrl":"/tickets/bucs-flex-plan","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Winter Warm Up Pack","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs/winter-warm-up-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Pass","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/ballpark-pass","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1663862400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"6 Pack+","linkUrl":"https://piratesflex.turnstyle.fan/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mini Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/mini-plans","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Value Deals","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-values","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Events & Theme Nights","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"6-Pack Ticket Plan","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Theme Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Discount","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/military-discount","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Premium Seating","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Hospitality Areas","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets/hospitality-and-suites","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"My Pirates Tickets","linkUrl":"https://mlb.tickets.com/?agency=PIRM_MYTIXX&orgid=39910#/auth/login","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2022 Season Updates","linkUrl":"/fans/2022-updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1665003900;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Digital Ticketing","linkUrl":"/tickets/mobile/faqs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Technology","linkUrl":"/tickets/mobile","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map/3d","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PNC Park Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rainout Policy","linkUrl":"/tickets/rainout-policy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark App","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2020 Season Information","linkUrl":"/fans/2020-updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Info Request","linkUrl":"/tickets/information-request","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy & Sell Tickets on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/pittsburgh-pirates-tickets?aid=15985&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=pirates_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":"premium-seat","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Premium","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"rewards","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"STH HQ","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"star","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"PiratesFest","linkUrl":"/fans/piratesfest","placement":null,"visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Theme Nights","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/themes","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Classic Game Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/classic-game-broadcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1595379600;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Radio Network","linkUrl":"/schedule/pirates-radio-network-affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?teamId=134","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=134","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/134","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Rookie Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pirates/stats/national-league?playerPool=ROOKIES","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1606325156;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pirates/news/topic/pirates-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/pirates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Player Search","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/players","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Time Roster","linkUrl":"http://mlb.mlb.com/pit/history/players.jsp","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Minor League Affiliates","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/teams/by-affiliate#pittsburgh-pirates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/pirates/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Run It Back","linkUrl":"/video/topic/run-it-back","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Productions","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-productions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-community","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Game Recap","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t134-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Curtain Calls","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-curtain-calls","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Podcasts","linkUrl":"http://mlb.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcasts/index.jsp?c_id=pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"camera","linkTarget":"_blank","linkText":"Photos","linkUrl":"https://thepiratespress.mlblogs.com/","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Latest Headlines","linkUrl":"/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/pirates-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Game Notes","linkUrl":"/news/game-notes","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"The Pirates Press","linkUrl":"https://thepiratespress.mlblogs.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/pirates-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feed","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/pirates-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"PNC Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Information","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Enhancements","linkUrl":"/ballpark/enhancements","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gameday Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/gameday","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scoreboard Messages","linkUrl":"/fans/scoreboard-messages","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PNC Park Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Plan Your Special Event","linkUrl":"/ballpark/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Clubhouse Store","linkUrl":"/ballpark/pirates-clubhouse-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Experience History","linkUrl":"/ballpark/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Features, Facts & Firsts","linkUrl":"/ballpark/features","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Let's Go Bucs, Let's Go Green.","linkUrl":"/community/green-initiatives","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blood Drives","linkUrl":"/community/blood-drives","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bag Policy","linkUrl":"/ballpark/bag-policy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking and Directions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concessions Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/pnc-park-concessions-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map/3d","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-Up Music Playlist","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Facts","linkUrl":"/ballpark/facts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Firsts","linkUrl":"/ballpark/firsts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bradenton, Florida","linkUrl":"/ballpark/florida","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Latin America","linkUrl":"/ballpark/latin-america","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Experience History at PNC Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"player","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Team History","linkUrl":"/history","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Programming","linkUrl":"/community/community-programming","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball and Softball","linkUrl":"/community/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Black History Month","linkUrl":"/community/black-history-month","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"50/50 Raffle","linkUrl":"/community/raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Make A Donation","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities-donation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fields for Kids","linkUrl":"/community/fields-for-kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Miracle League Fields","linkUrl":"/community/miracle-league-fields","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Programs","linkUrl":"/community/military-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All Star Teachers","linkUrl":"/community/all-star-teachers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Newsletter","linkUrl":"https://mktg.mlbstatic.com/pirates/Pirates-Community-Newsletter.html","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Long Live Their Legacy","linkUrl":"/community/long-live-their-legacy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Friendsgiving Holiday Drive","linkUrl":"/community/friendsgiving-holiday-drive","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1606923355;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Baseball & Softball Clinic","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball/virtual-coaches-clinic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1605533803;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Building Bridges","linkUrl":"/community/building-bridges","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cancer Support Weekend","linkUrl":"/community/cancer-support","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1599537540;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities Game","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1600142340;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Food Bank Donation","linkUrl":"/community/food-bank","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1604610256;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play At Home","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball/play-at-home","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Summer Camps","linkUrl":"/fans/baseball-camps","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fundraise the Jolly Roger","linkUrl":"/community/outreach-programs/fundraise-the-jolly-roger","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home Run 5K 10K","linkUrl":"/community/race","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates CARE-a-van","linkUrl":"/community/care-a-van","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Play Ball","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Programs","linkUrl":"/community/ticket-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VFD Grant Program","linkUrl":"/community/volunteer-fire-department-grant","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Annual Community Report","linkUrl":"https://www.digitalpublications-mlb.com/157005/157249/186082/PITCommunityReport2020/index.html","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PiratesFest","linkUrl":"/fans/piratesfest","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Hall of Fame","linkUrl":"/history/hall-of-fame","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Souvenir Tickets","linkUrl":"/fans/souvenir-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Values","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-values","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jim Leyland HOF Travel Packages","linkUrl":"/fans/jim-leyland-hall-of-fame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2020 Season Updates","linkUrl":"/fans/2020-updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Going to Bat for Small Business","linkUrl":"/fans/small-business-non-profit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Total Tailgate Sweepstakes","linkUrl":"/fans/total-tailgate-package-sweepstakes","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1598846340;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Ballpark Experience - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/in-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Resources","linkUrl":"/fans/resources","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids Activities","linkUrl":"/fans/activities","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pumpkin Stencils","linkUrl":"/fans/pumpkin-stencils","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Zoom Backgrounds","linkUrl":"/fans/zoom-backgrounds","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"First Pitch Magazine","linkUrl":"/fans/first-pitch-magazine","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Media","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Email Newsletters","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Digital Yearbook","linkUrl":"https://www.digitalpublications-mlb.com/157005/157249/186082/Pirates-2023-Yearbook/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Experiences & Merchandise","linkUrl":"/fans/experiences-merchandise","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mascots and More","linkUrl":"/fans/mascots","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Walk-Up Music","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pirates/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Kids","linkUrl":"/fans/kids/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bucaroos Kids Club","linkUrl":"/fans/kids-club","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Digital Fan Pack","linkUrl":"/fans/fan-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Gift Guide","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PiratesFest at PNC Park","linkUrl":"/fans/piratesfest","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Summer Camps","linkUrl":"/fans/baseball-camps","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"appears:1717603200;expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/beat-the-streak","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MiLB","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/milb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Home Run Derby","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/home-run-derby","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/help/play/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/t-14121179+z-9812019-458107067?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/jerseys/t-14343380+d-1261223436+z-92-875728927?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/caps/t-14129980+d-6705223325+z-95-1745244677?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/men/t-25671124+ga-89+z-921841-1278411202?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/women/t-25455502+ga-68+z-994768-2409408569?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/kids/t-47012280+ga-92+z-997947-3537571025?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/big-and-tall/t-14892280+es-35+z-910315-2495592026?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/trading-cards/d-4507487451+z-952513-2008381280?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Collectibles & Memorabilia","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/collectibles-and-memorabilia/t-14784435+d-6783338849+z-93-4025914707?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/home-and-office/t-14674480+d-6738552333+z-97-3817295593?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/t-14121179+z-9812019-458107067?os=1&_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/national-league/pittsburgh-pirates?portal=AEI46DFD&CMP=PSC-AEI46DFD","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://pirates.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*153jogc*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+PIT&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+PIT&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Locations","linkUrl":"/ballpark/pirates-clubhouse-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Español","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/es/pirates","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#000000","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/2A6YTBFzz7oLdYowgjSixz/340f7178036073f99ee753f7f619ab8d/t134_url_logo_gold.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/2hTG1mxFE3MHLe87FMAybg/9f66af10a786d3ac04b8bcf6a0be495c/Masthead_Template.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"220px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"64px"}},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}]},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","id":134,"division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Person:656605":{"__typename":"Person","id":656605},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbpirates","linkInternalFilters":"pittsburgh,pirates"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
'He's taking charge': Keller named Bucs' Opening Day starter
'He's taking charge': Keller named Bucs' Opening Day starter
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Derek Shelton didn’t know the best way to tell Mitch Keller the good news. So he started with a series of questions.
How did your side session go today? How many pitches did you throw? How many do you think you’ll throw on the 30th?
The last question caught Keller off-guard. Why would he be thinking about March 30, which was two weeks away? Then, it clicked. It clicked that he would throw the first pitch of the season. It clicked that a dream had come true. It clicked that he’d be the club’s Opening Day starter.
“It was actually pretty emotional for him,” Shelton said before the Pirates' 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday. “He was pretty fired up. Those are special moments. This is a kid who was a very highly touted prospect and had to grind a little bit and discovered himself. It was a cool moment. Gave him a bottle of champagne and told him and [his wife] Clancy to enjoy it.”
"There’s a lot of people around me that have helped me along my way and through thick and thin — and through the good times, too," Keller said. "It’s really cool moment for everybody involved, not just myself. It’s really cool.
The decision, in some respects, was an inevitability. Keller is coming off the best year of his career, a season in which he logged career-highs in innings (159) and strikeouts (138), as well as career-bests in ERA (3.91) and FIP (3.88). Getting to this point, however, required Keller to wade through the desert of despair.
Keller, a second-round selection in the 2014 MLB Draft, flashed top-of-the-rotation stuff during his first couple of seasons, but he never put everything together. He struggled, and struggled hard. From 2019 to '21, Keller owned a 6.02 ERA across 170 1/3 innings. In '21, the Pirates sent Keller down to Triple-A Indianapolis.
In 2022, Keller underwent an evolution. He re-discovered his fastball velocity. He added a sinker. He added a sweeper. Keller re-invented himself on the fly, and following three seasons of tribulations, he finally found success.
“Everybody aspires to be an Opening Day starter at some point in their career, but for young guys coming up, I do think it’s something they can look and say, ‘Hey, this is a guy who came through our system,’” Shelton said.
Keller wouldn’t have flourished without seeking this evolution -- and he’s continued to grow this spring, adding a cutter into his mix. But the 26-year-old’s most significant area of growth has been his mentality.
On multiple occasions last season, Keller discussed his growing confidence, his ability to be unshakeable in the face of tough situations. He admitted that, during the infancy of his career, he might have looked towards the dugout for someone to take him out of a game when things got rough. In 2022, by contrast, Keller exhibited the bravado to finish what he started, to pitch until his manager took the ball from his hands.
Shelton pointed to Keller’s outing on Sunday against Atlanta as an example of how the right-hander can navigate tough waters. Keller sputtered out of the gate, allowing a solo home run in the first inning, then allowing an RBI single in the second. Early in his career, Keller might have let those two rough frames affect the rest of his outing. Instead, Keller retired the side in the third and fourth innings, striking out two batters in each frame.
“Now, he’s taking charge,” Shelton said. “You really saw it in the third and fourth innings. That may have been the best stuff I’ve ever seen him have. He went right back out after people.”