Pirates Notes: Keller, Valdez, Buchanan

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller is expected to experience a normal offseason after suffering a Grade 3 teres major muscle strain without requiring surgery. The right-hander, who struggled to a 5.29 ERA over 22 starts while battling the injury, is slated to resume throwing late this month. He has two years and $38 million remaining on his contract and is projected to rejoin a young rotation featuring Paul Skenes and Jared Jones.

Meanwhile, rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez confirmed he has fully recovered from a hamstring strain and will play in the Dominican Winter League for los Leones del Escogido. Valdez hit 17 home runs across 287 plate appearances for Pittsburgh this past season. Additionally, the Pirates have hired Triple-A pitching coach Sean Buchanan from the Houston Astros to serve in an upper-level player development role.