Pirates fall to Phillies 6-2 on June 8, 2025, as Mitch Keller struggles. With prospect Bubba Chandler shining in the minors, is a change coming soon?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a frustrating Sunday for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who couldn't complete the sweep in Philadelphia, falling 6-2 in the series finale. The loss was unfortunately familiar, with ace Mitch Keller once again struggling on the mound. But as the big-league club grapples with inconsistency, a beacon of hope is shining brighter than ever down on the farm, and his name is Bubba Chandler.
While Mitch Keller's record fell to 1-8, top prospect Bubba Chandler is posting a 2.17 ERA with 56 strikeouts in Triple-A, begging the question: How much longer can the Pirates wait?
The chance for a satisfying series sweep slipped through the Pirates' fingers on Sunday. Mitch Keller took the mound but couldn't contain the Phillies' bats, surrendering six runs on eight hits over 6.1 innings. His record fell to a concerning 1-8 on the season. The offense, which has shown signs of life, was quieted for most of the afternoon. Despite key hits from Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen, the team couldn't string together enough rallies to overcome the early deficit, allowing Philadelphia to snap their losing streak and salvage a game.
Keller's performance has become one of the team's most pressing issues. Once seen as the anchor of the rotation, his 2025 campaign has been a grind. His inability to shut down innings and avoid the big blow was on display again Sunday, and his ERA continues to climb. With Keller struggling, the entire starting rotation feels shaky, and the front office now faces a major question: How do they get their ace back on track, and what are the contingency plans if he can't find his form?
Meanwhile, in Triple-A Indianapolis, the future looks electric. Bubba Chandler, the organization's No. 2 prospect, is simply dealing. The right-hander has been dominant, posting a 2-1 record with a sparkling 2.17 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He's fanned 56 batters in just 37.1 innings, earning International League Pitcher of the Month honors in April. As he continues to build his pitch count and check every box, the calls for his promotion to the big leagues will only get louder. He's not just a prospect anymore; he's looking like a potential solution.
While Sunday's loss stings, it brings the team's central conflict into sharp focus. The present is a struggle, defined by the search for consistency from key veterans like Keller. But the future, personified by the dominance of Bubba Chandler, is knocking on the door. The loss in Philadelphia might be forgotten soon, but the debate it fuels about when to pass the torch to the next wave is just getting started.
