A controversial call, eighth inning defensive issues and ninth inning base running cost Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Starling Marte hit what appeared to be a home run in the second inning, however after video review the play was ruled a double. The ball hit near the top row of padding in left field and then landed in the Royals bullpen. The Root Sports broadcast clearly showed Marte surprised by the call. Manager Clint Hurdle looked for an ... Read More
Who are Pirates most appealing trade pieces?
It is that time of year again – the trade deadline is a week and a half away and the Pittsburgh Pirates are already being linked to a number of names on the trade market. But of course teams have to give to get, so what do the Pirates have to offer other teams? The top prospects If the Pirates decide to get creative and make a run at Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels it would have to take a package center around top pitching Tyler Glasnow, and possibly include top hitting ... Read More
Pirates pull away following late rally in win
The Pittsburgh Pirates won its first game of a six-day road trip with a 10-7 victory against the Kansas City Royals. It was the Royals that struck first in the first inning when Eric Hosmer singled in Alcides Escobar. Hosmer was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double. A four-run second inning served as the Pirates response. Both Pedro Alvarez and Francisco Cervelli each singled in runs placing the Pirates in the lead. Travis Ishikawa then drove the ball to left field for a ... Read More
Pirates Mercer sprains MCL, Morel called up
On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates released an update on Jordy Mercer, who was carted off the field during Sunday's finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. Jordy Mercer Update: Jordy has been diagnosed with a lower leg contusion and a sprain of the medial collateral ligament of his left knee. — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 20, 2015 The Pirates announced that Mercer would be placed on the disabled list, but he would not require surgery at this time. The timetable for Mercer is six ... Read More
Pirates to bring up 3B Brent Morel
After losing shortstop Jordy Mercer to a left leg injury during Sunday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to purchase the contract of third baseman Brent Morel from their Triple-A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians, according to a report by Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Morel had been a late scratch from the Indianapolis lineup on Sunday night. Brent Morel is indeed joining the Pirates, according to his agent. — Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) July 20, 2015 On ... Read More
Pirates potentially lose Mercer; swept by Brewers
The hits keep coming for the Pittsburgh Pirates following a 6-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Not only did the Brewers battle back and spoil Jeff Locke's start, but Jordy Mercer was removed from the game in the second inning. Mercer was injured trying to tag Carlos Gomez to start a double play. Gomez stepped on Mercer's leg well short of second base and the Pirates shortstop went down in pain. After being checked out by Todd Tomczyk and Ben Potenziano was placed on a cart. Pirates PR ... Read More
Pirates lose series to Brewers
Prior to the first pitch the Pittsburgh Pirates revealed that Francisco Liriano would not start Saturday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was not the only loss of the night as the Pirates fell by an 8-5 score. Liriano was scratched from the start due to neck stiffness and as a result, Vance Worley made his first start of the season since May 14, an appearance which came against one of his former teams, the Philadelphia Phillies. Worley [3-5] allowed five runs [four earned] on ... Read More
Pirates lose to start second half of season
Miller Park used to be a ballpark the Pittsburgh Pirates could not find success with and this held true once again Friday night as the home Milwaukee Brewers came away with a 4-1 victory. Charlie Morton [6-3] suffered the loss allowing four runs on five hits in six innings pitched. He also walked more batters [3] than he struck out [2] in 90 pitches, 54 of which were strikes. Morton's first blemish came in the first inning when Gerardo Parra hit a leadoff double. He moved to third base on ... Read More
Pirates call up Jaff Decker
Prior to Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Pittsburgh Pirates have called up Jaff Decker to help fill a bench role. This is the corresponding move for Wilfredo Boscan being sent down following Sunday's extra inning win against the St. Louis Cardinals. Boscan was brought up because the game the day prior was over five hours and took 14 innings to play. Boscan was also in play because it was his day to pitch and both Deolis Guerra and Vance Worley were unavailable to make a ... Read More
COLUMN: Polanco could be Pirates biggest X-Factor in second half
Now more than ever the Pittsburgh Pirates need Gregory Polanco to live up to his potential. The Pirates are in the midst of a tightly contested NL Central race with the St. Louis Cardinals, but Josh Harrison’s injury will keep him out at least another month, while Starling Marte has been battling the injury bug lately. This is the perfect chance for Polanco’s star to shine: to be the guy that steps up and helps deliver the Pirates to their first ever NL Central crown. The Pirates need ... Read More