There has to be some measure of concern considering what Keller means to the organization after he signed a five-year, $77 million contract extension this spring.

As for results, Keller had a second consecutive mediocre opening day start, allowing five runs (four earned) in 5 2/3 innings, walking two, hitting one and striking out three. To his credit, Keller had his bright spots and finished with 14 whiffs.

He actually finished strong, allowing just one single after the third, and did well to limit damage in the second frame, recording three consecutive outs to keep the Marlins’ output at two.

Left out

The Pirates surely did not need a reminder of Luzardo’s qualifications or his ability to suppress left-handed hitters. But they got one anyway on Thursday. Luzardo was really good in his five-inning start, allowing just Reynolds’ home run in the third inning.

Luzardo struck out eight and forced the Pirates into 18 whiffs, including 10 via his slider. The Marlins yanked Luzardo after just 85 pitches, 51 that he threw for strikes.

No big deal

Hayes, never one to celebrate himself, made a difficult play look easy in the bottom of the fourth. Second baseman Luis Arraez hit a pop up into foul territory beyond third base. Hayes calmly tracked back and caught the ball up against the netting.

It was nothing new for Hayes, the Gold Glove winner who casually snared a liner against the Yankees in the penultimate game of spring, but it was impressive nonetheless.

Up next

Martin Perez will make his Pirates debut at 7:10 p.m. Friday. He’s 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in three career appearances against the Marlins.

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