Baseball is a game where several elements can change the outcome of a game at any time. Saturday was one of those cases where the Pittsburgh Pirates did not do much right falling 6-0 to the Washington Nationals. This series loss is the first since June 20-23 against the San Francisco Giants and it was poor play all around which cost the Pirates. Strike one: Indifferent fielding/base running The image I will take from this game came in the fourth inning. By that point, this game had ... Read More
Pirates fall to Nationals 5-1 in first game after All-Star break
Prior to the All-Star break, the Pittsburgh Pirates (46-44) fought hard to get back into contention for not just a National League playoff berth, but an NL Central spot, making Friday night's 5-1 loss to the Washington Nationals (55-36) all the more disappointing. Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has had a 2016 season of historic proportions, and this victory boosts his record to 13-0 on the season. He's the second pitcher in the last 30 years to start a season that way. And despite how ... Read More
Huntington will use All-Star break to Pirates’ advantage
For the final time before the second half of play begins, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters to discuss various topics. On pitcher Gerrit Cole's health and ideal return date: “We'll see how he responds and bounces back. Ideally, we'll get him back soon after the All-Star break if he can, but if he needs another one we'll get him another one.” On pitcher Jameson Taillon's health: “He's doing great. We had planned on giving him 10 days around the All-Star ... Read More
Where does Glasnow’s debut rank among other Pirates?
The Triple-A Indianapolis Indians rotation takeover is in full effect in Pittsburgh. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Tyler Glasnow is expected to make his major league debut tomorrow afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Glasnow, a fifth-round draft pick in 2011 by the Pirates, has had a ton of hype while pitching in the minor leagues. However, in regards to buzz surrounding a debut, where does Glasnow's highly anticipated first major ... Read More
Pirates extend win streak to six with comeback victory
Eric Fryer donned the Pittsburgh Pirates catching gear for the first time since Sept. 10, 2012, and put forth his most effective offensive performance in the Major Leagues in five years as he helped his team come from behind to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2 Tuesday night. This victory is the Pirates' sixth in a row and the fifth during the streak that's happened in come-from-behind fashion. The Pirates are now 43-41 on the season. Fryer burned his former team with a career-high three ... Read More
Huntington: Glasnow, Bell will remain in Triple-A for time being
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters Sunday. Here's what he had to say. On prized prospect Josh Bell: “Defensively, he continues to be a work in progress and is getting better, but there is still work to do. With Josh, we are talking about an outfielder moving into the infield, and that takes more time. It's more game situation and awareness and where he needs to be and what he needs to do. Offensively, the power is beginning to show. He'll learn how to work ... Read More
Kuhl, Pirates prepared for big test against Dodgers
Tonight, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Pittsburgh Pirates are attempting to win a series after dropping four straight. Pitcher Chad Kuhl will make his Major League debut, and on the other side of the mound will be none other than one of the best pitchers in the game, Clayton Kershaw (11-1, 1.57 ERA). Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said he thinks Kuhl will do well tonight on the biggest stage of the 23-year-old's career. “(Kuhl's) electric early, and we’re trying to fine-tune ... Read More
Pirates’ season hinges on next few weeks
In the eyes of many Pittsburgh sports fans, there's a bit of an empty feeling. The Penguins' season is over, and the Steelers' season hasn't started yet — so what now? Over the past three years, the strong play of the Pirates has tided fans over during the sports lull, but a stretch of poor play has some fans feeling blasé. Prior to Monday night's 1-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants, the Pirates had lost their last five games and 10 of their last 11. They are currently one ... Read More
Pirates move Gerrit Cole to DL, Jameson Taillon recalled
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially put pitcher Gerrit Cole on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 11 with a right tricep strain. In his place, they called up pitcher Jameson Taillon. Taillon (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will start Tuesday night's game against the New York Mets and Jacob deGrom (3-2, 2.80 ERA). Cole was injured in the third inning of Friday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, and he was lifted from the game as a precaution. Over the weekend, Pirates general manager Neal ... Read More
Pirates’ GM Neal Huntington: ‘I need to do some things better this summer’
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington had a busy week in Bradenton, FL with the MLB Draft but flew back into town to meet with some reporters and answer some questions. On the temptation to trade given pitching inconsistencies: “If you want to get involved now, there is a dramatic over-price, so our challenges have been all-over-the-map, which has made it so difficult. Any one of our five starters have had a good stretch and a not-so-good stretch. Almost all of our relievers have ... Read More