PHILADELPHIA – Ten years after being selected in the MLB Draft, Brian Keller made his major league debut Saturday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park against the same team that drafted him.
 
Keller, originally selected in the 29th round by the New York Yankees, donned a Philadelphia Phillies uniform Saturday and pitched three innings of relief against one of the top teams in the American League.
 
He entered the game in the top of the third inning and began his major league career by striking out two-time All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr.
 
"It was amazing, a dream come true," said Keller after his debut. "It felt really good to start off on a high note," Keller added on beginning his outing with the strikeout of Chisholm.
 
Keller pitched three innings in relief and finished with three strikeouts while allowing one run against the Yankees. Ultimately, New York won the game, 3-1, as Keller did not factor into the decision.
 
"You picture it over and over, but I'm glad it turned out all right," said Keller after his debut. "I was surprisingly calm out there, and I'm just really happy."
 
Keller becomes Milwaukee's third major leaguer, joining former teammate Daulton Varsho as well as AJ Blubaugh, who made his debut in 2025. Keller follows Blubaugh as the second pitcher to reach baseball's highest level.
 
His journey to the big leagues began in 2016 after being selected by the Yankees. He spent time in Rookie Ball before reaching the Low-A level with the Staten Island Yankees. A year later, he advanced to Double-A with the Trenton Thunder and ultimately reached Triple-A with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in both 2019 and 2021. There was no Minor League Baseball season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
After spending the entire 2021 season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Keller was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft ahead of the 2022 season and spent the full year with Triple-A Worcester.
 
He did not re-sign with the Red Sox organization in 2023 and instead headed overseas, signing with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan's top professional baseball league. Injuries cut his 2023 season short, and consecutive surgeries cost Keller both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
 
He joined the Phillies organization earlier this year, signing a minor league contract on May 18. After a few appearances at the Phillies' Spring Training complex, Keller was assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he posted a 2.23 ERA over 36 1/3 innings before getting the call Friday to join the major league club.
 
Upon receiving the call, Keller reached out to several family members and friends, including former Milwaukee head coach Scott Doffek, who coached him throughout his Panther career from 2013-16.
 
"It's calls and texts like this that you will never forget," said Doffek. "To hear from Brian that he was getting called up is just amazing. It's the definition of perseverance, determination and talent."
 
"He exemplifies what being a professional is all about," added Doffek. "I could not be prouder of him. I am so happy for him and his family. Nobody deserves this opportunity more."
 
Current Milwaukee pitching coach Cory Bigler also coached Keller during his four seasons with the Panthers.
 
"I am extremely excited for Brian," said Bigler. "He had to earn his way at every level of baseball and overcome significant adversity along the way."
 
"Brian is one of the smartest and most competitive pitchers that I've ever been around," added Bigler. "It is great to see such a wonderful person fulfill a lifelong goal."
 
Keller and the Phillies are scheduled to play Varsho's Toronto Blue Jays from Aug. 7-9 in Philadelphia, setting up the potential for two former Panther teammates to meet in a major league game for the first time.
 
Varsho has faced Blubaugh in each of the past two seasons, with Blubaugh striking out Varsho in 2025 before inducing a flyout earlier this season. Keller's Phillies are scheduled to host Blubaugh's Houston Astros from Sept. 8-10.