The New York Highlanders of the American League purchased Keating's contract from Lawrence for $5,000 ($ in current dollar terms) during the season. After the New England League's season finished in early September, Keating reported to the Highlanders. He made his major league debut on September 12, 1912, as a relief pitcher, recording three strikeouts in one inning pitched. Keating appeared in six games for the Highlanders in 1912; he had an 0–3 win–loss record, three complete games, and a 5.80 earned run average (ERA) in 1912. The next year, he had a 6–12 win–loss record and a 3.21 ERA in 28 games, with nine complete games. Frank Chance, the Highlanders' manager, reported that Keating was almost exclusively a spitball pitcher.
