Pirates manager Derek Shelton confirmed Keller will start Tuesday's game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

After turning in a 6.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across his first seven starts of the season, Keller has been deployed in long relief in his most recent two appearances. Though he fared much better in that capacity -- he struck out six and allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks over six innings -- the Pirates will plug Keller back into the rotation this week. Following Tuesday's game, the Pirates will have off days Thursday and Monday, so the Pirates could look to reorder their rotation and push Keller to the back of their pitching schedule. Keller could change those plans, however, if he's able to keep the powerful Dodgers offense at bay.

Keller allowed one earned run on five hits and a walk while striking out two across 3.1 innings Wednesday against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Keller entered the game in the fourth inning after Zach Thompson was hit hard to begin the game. It was the second consecutive appearance out of the bullpen for Keller, and he's allowed two earned runs across five innings while posting a 6:3 K:BB. The Pirates have a day off Thursday, so it appears that the team opted to skip Keller's turn through the rotation. However, without another rest for six games, Keller is likely to return to the rotation at some point during the Pittsburgh's series against the Dodgers.

Keller (1-5) earned the win during Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Cubs, allowing one run on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Keller lost his spot in the rotation but was used as the piggyback to opener Wil Crowe and was able to find success in the form of a win. The 26-year-old pitched well during the third and fifth innings, but struggled in the fourth and was lucky to surrender just one run despite putting four runners on. Manager Derek Shelton is yet to tab a starter for Tuesday's game against Colorado and Keller should be considered a candidate to toe the rubber.

Keller is merely considered an option out of the bullpen for Wednesday's game against the Cubs, the game which would have been his next turn in the rotation, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Keller generated buzz over the winter due to reports of increased velocity. Those reports were accurate, as his fastball has averaged 96.2 mph this season after coming in at 93.9 mph last year, but the increased heat has had no effect on his results. He's struggled to a 6.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP through seven starts while striking out a career-low 17.6 percent of opposing batters. The Pirates haven't listed a starter for Wednesday's game, but it could be Roansy Contreras, who would be on turn for the outing after pitching Friday for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Keller fell to 0-5 on the season after allowing five runs in 4.2 innings Friday against the Reds. He struck out just two batters while walking two and allowing five hits.

EDGE Analysis

Keller generated some sleeper buzz over the winter after increasing his velocity, but the results have unfortunately been more of the same. He's now allowed at least four runs while failing to finish five innings in five of his first seven starts. He managed just a pair of scoreless innings this time around before allowing two runs in the third, one in the fourth and two more in the fifth. It's hard to see things suddenly changing in his next trip to the mound, when he'll carry his 6.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP to Wrigley Field.

Keller allowed five earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three across 4.1 innings in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Keller was handed a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but he immediately allowed two runs in the bottom of the frame. He also had a disastrous fourth inning that was capped by a three-run homer by Brandon Drury. As a result of his struggles, Keller was unable to work deep enough into the game to qualify for a win. While he's shown glimpses of improvement, Keller has allowed four or more earned runs in four of his six starts this season. The end result has been a 6.11 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with a 24:10 K:BB across his first 28 innings of the campaign.

Keller (0-4) allowed a run on five hits and no walks while striking out five in six innings to take the loss against the Padres on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Keller posted his first quality start of the season during Sunday's outing, but he didn't get much help from the Pirates' offense and was forced to settle for his fourth loss in his first five starts in 2022. The right-hander now has a 5.32 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 23.2 innings this year. Although Keller was unable to enter the win column Sunday, it was encouraging to see him generate some success while throwing 85 pitches in the pitching duel. He tentatively lines up to start in one of the Pirates' two games during a twin bill in Cincinnati on Saturday.

Keller did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Brewers, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one batter in 4.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

After showing some signs of progress last week, Keller fell flat in a rematch with Milwaukee. He served up an early homer to Willy Adames and finished with more walks than strikeouts. Keller enticed with increased velocity in the offseason and spring training, but the results haven't been there early on, as he's allowed four runs on three of four occasions this season. The good news is that the Pirates are going to keep giving him chances in the starting rotation to see what he's made of.

Keller (0-3) allowed one earned run on four hits and no walks while striking out seven across 5.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Keller entered Wednesday's start having walked five batters across only 7.2 innings of work. However, he was consistently in the zone against the Brewers, as 58 of his 75 pitches went for strikes, and he started ahead in the count for 17 of the 20 batters he faced. The overall results followed this improvement, as Keller allowed only a solo home run to Rowdy Tellez in the second inning. Though he still took the loss, this was an encouraging step for Keller, who lines up to make his next start Tuesday at home in a rematch against Milwaukee.

Keller (0-2) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks over 3.2 innings as the Pirates were downed 7-2 by the Nationals. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

The velocity gains Keller flashed in workout videos during the offseason have proven to be legit -- he popped 99.2 mph with a fastball in the first inning Friday and was consistently sitting in the high 90s -- but that hasn't done anything to alleviate the control and command issues that have plagued him in the majors. Keller now sports a 9.39 ERA, 2.35 WHIP and 12.2 percent walk rate through his first 7.2 innings this season, and until he can learn to harness his plus stuff, he'll remain difficult to deploy in fantasy. The 26-year-old right-hander is next scheduled to take the mound Wednesday in Milwaukee.