Game Thread: Keller-fornia

Mitch Keller will return to the major leagues and start for the Pirates Monday in Anaheim.

Keller (0-1, 10.50) has been in a rut in AAA lately, recording a 5.13 ERA over six starts since start of July. Still, he is widely regarded as one of the premier pitching prospects in the game, and people have been clamoring for him to return to the majors for some time.

The Angels will counter with Jose Suarez (2-3, 6.22). The rookie lefty has shown signs of promise, but he has allowed at least three runs in seven of his 10 starts, and never fewer than two. He served up three home runs to the Reds in a losing effort in his last start on Aug. 6.

Richard Rodriguez was placed on the 10 day IL (retroactive to Aug. 10) with right shoulder inflammation to open a spot on the roster for Keller.

First pitch is scheduled for 10:07 p.m. Eastern.

Lineups

Pirates

2B Kevin Newman

LF Bryan Reynolds

CF Starling Marte

DH Josh Bell

1B Jose Osuna

RF Melky Cabrera

3B Pablo Reyes

C Jacob Stallings

SS Erik Gonzalez

Angels

RF Kole Calhoun

CF Mike Trout

DH Shohei Ohtani

LF Justin Upton

1B Albert Pujols

3B Matt Thaiss

2B Luis Rengifo

C Max Stassi

SS Wilfredo Tovar