Manager Ned Yost has named Brad Keller his starter for the season opener on March 28 at home against the White Sox. It has been a meteoric rise for the 23-year old Keller who a year ago was fighting to make the roster as a Rule 5 pick from the Diamondbacks. But he impressed many in his rookie campaign, posting a 3.08 ERA and 3.55 FIP in 140 1/3 innings, good enough to be a 3.5 WAR pitcher, according to Baseball Reference. Keller’s opening day assignment was predicted a few weeks ago by catcher Salvador Perez.
“Don’t say anything bro,” Perez said Tuesday to a group of reporters with a wink, “but for me he’s No.