Two of the Pirates' prospects will be thrust into the spotlight during All-Star Game festivities in Washington, D.C.
Right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes were selected to represent the Pirates in the All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on Sunday, July 15. Both will play for the U.S. team, and it's the third time in four years the club had more than one prospect invited to participate.
Additionally, former Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, now the pitching coach for Class A West Virginia, will serve as the bullpen coach for the U.S. team.
Keller, a 21-year-old starting pitcher, has allowed 13 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings since being promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis last month. He struck out 10 batters in six innings against Louisville Thursday night; however, he also walked four and allowed five earned runs on six hits.
The former second-round pick went 9-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 14 starts for Double-A Altoona earlier this season, while ranking first in the Eastern League in wins, second in fewest baserunners allowed per nine innings, third in innings, and fourth in ERA and batting average against.
Keller is ranked as the club's top prospect by Baseball America and MLB.com. He was the Pirates' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2016. Last season, Keller ranked third among all Pirates minor leaguers in ERA (3.03) and fourth in strikeouts (116). He also pitched in the Arizona Fall League, where he was one of three starting pitchers named to the Arizona Fall League’s Top Prospects team following the season.
Hayes, ranked by MLB.com as the Pirates' third-best prospect, is batting .290 with 20 doubles, a league-high tying six triples, four home runs and 21 RBIs in 71 games for Double-A Altoona. The 21-year-old was a supplemental first-round draft pick in 2014 and is in his first full season with Altoona after slashing .278/.345/.363 for High-A Bradenton last season.
