Royals Move Starter to Bullpen

Kanas City Royals manager Mike Matheny told reporters Wednesday that starter Brad Keller will no longer be a starter, as the team is moving him to the bullpen. 

Mike Matheny just announced that Brad Keller will be moved to the bullpen as of today. Tomorrow’s starter in St Pete is now TBD

— Joel Goldberg (@goldbergkc) August 17, 2022

In his last start on August 13, Keller was torched by the Los Angeles Dodgers for eight earned runs over three innings. He allowed nine hits and three walks, striking out three on the short outing. 

Prior to the All-Star break, Keller was pitching pretty decently, throwing an ERA of 3.96 over 17 games started. Post-All-Star break Keller has been atrocious, however, as the starter has pitched to a bloated ERA of 8.76 and has thrown a 16:15 K/BB ratio over five starts. 

Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

That simply won't cut it. As a result, the twenty-seven-year-old will be moved to the bullpen and pitcher Max Castillo will make the start on Thursday instead. 

Castillo was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline, in the deal that saw the Royals ship out long-time player Whit Merrifield. 

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports