When we picked our Pirates Prospects Pitcher of the Month award earlier this week, we had a tough choice between Brandon Waddell and Mitch Keller, choosing Waddell mostly due to the innings he put in over Keller. The Florida State League and South Atlantic League didn’t have that same tough choice we had, handing out the league’s monthly award to the two Pirates.
Waddell has already been promoted to Altoona, where he made his debut last night. Before leaving, he put up an 0.93 ERA and a 0.52 WHIP for Bradenton, leading the FSL in both categories. In 29 innings, he had a 2:26 BB/SO ratio. Waddell allowed three hits or less in all five starts in April.
Keller won the Pitcher of the Week award during the first full week in the SAL. He finished the month with an 0.86 ERA over 21 innings, with a 1:28 BB/SO ratio. Keller followed up those numbers with one run over seven innings in his start last night. It was the first time he went seven innings as a pro. Twice already this season, Keller has struck out ten batters in a game.
Yeudy Garcia was the last Power pitcher to win the Pitcher of the Month award, picking up that hardware last July.
