Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Paul Skenes struggled again with four walks and three runs allowed in a 4-2 loss to the Brewers to drop the Pirates to two games under .500. The Pirates bat were quiet once again as they continued their slump this time against Kyle Harrison, who struck out eight straight batters at one point. Endy Rodriguez provided the only offense for the Bucs with a two-run home run in the 7th inning. Lake Bachar made his Pirates debut after being acquired at the deadline and gave up a run in two innings of work.

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers refuse to challenge Esmerlyn Valdez—has the league finally adjusted, or is Valdez entering the next phase of his MLB ascent? Gary Morgan dissects Valdez’s eye-popping walk rate and why his recent slump might actually signal growth at the plate. As opposing pitchers work the edges and avoid giving Valdez anything to hit, the conversation shifts to lineup protection, evolving scouting reports, and the adjustments Valdez must make to reclaim his power threat.

The bullpen overhaul takes center stage as Gary Morgan breaks down Don Kelly’s new relief options, including pivotal roles for Luke Weaver, Mason Montgomery, Camilo Doval, and Gregory Soto. How will these arms reshape late-game strategy and address long-standing weaknesses? Additional listener AMAs tackle Andrew McCutchen’s future, Marcell Ozuna’s roster status, and Ben Cherrington’s job security, painting a candid picture of the Pirates’ current trajectory and fan expectations as the playoff race heats up.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Brewers. The Pirates offense was quiet tonight besides solo homers from Jacob Gonzalez and Endy Rodriguez. Jared Jones struggled tonight only going 4 innings and allowing 3 runs on 8 hits. The Pirates will look to take game three tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates overhaul their bullpen, but is it too late to salvage their playoff hopes? Gary Morgan spotlights Ben Cherrington’s aggressive trades for Camilo Doval, Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, and Lake Bachar, transforming the Pirates’ relief corps just as the rest of the roster begins to unravel. With a devastating Mitch Keller injury sidelining their only veteran starter, the Pirates’ playoff push now rests on a raw young rotation helmed by Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler.

Can a rebuilt bullpen overcome glaring rotational depth issues and the lack of a reliable right-handed bat? Gary Morgan tackles the front office’s missed opportunities at the trade deadline, evaluates the impact of their NL Central rivals’ moves, and questions whether the Pirates truly addressed the right problems at the right time. Can this new-look bullpen keep the postseason dream alive for Pittsburgh?

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Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Brewers. Bubba Chandler started strong against the Brew Crew where he went 4.2 innings of no-hit ball, however, would go 5.2 innings and allow 2 earned runs. Spencer Horwitz cleared the based with a double in the 3rd to provide a chunk of the offense. The Pirates will look to take game two in Milwaukee tomorrow night.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face a crucial crossroads as the MLB trade deadline looms, but is roster continuity enough to spark a playoff push? Gary Morgan spotlights the team’s youth-heavy starting rotation—featuring Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft—and questions if Mitch Keller can rebound or if it’s time for a bullpen role. With the bullpen faltering and a lopsided lineup lacking right-handed thump, the Pirates’ path to October grows murkier.

Key discussion points include Oneil Cruz’s upcoming return, Carmen Mlodzinski’s evolving bullpen role, and the front office’s reluctance to invest mid-season. Gary Morgan challenges whether removing developmental restrictions and adding veteran leadership could unlock untapped potential. As the core of players like Brian Reynolds, Henry Davis, and Esmerlyn Valdez is likely returning for 2027, can incremental growth—and some urgent fixes—change the narrative for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a competitive NL Central?

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Mitch Keller got just six outs in this one as he was hit hard for seven runs allowed on six hits and four walks in a 10-2 loss in Cincinnati. The bats, on the other hand, couldn’t touch Reds starter Chase Burns as he carved up the Bucs for just one run allowed on two hits in six innings and he struck out nine. Pirates managed just four hits in this loss to drop back under .500 with a 1-3 roadtrip so far.

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Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Reds. Braxton Ashcraft was solid in a bounce back performance where he went 5 innings and allowed 1 run. Carmen Mlodzinski would follow with 3 shutout innings of relief after the 1 hour and 46-minute rain delay. The Pirates offense was able to get to Andrew Abbott with a 3-run 3rd inning. The Pirates will look to split the series with Mitch Keller on the mound going against Reds young star Chase Burns.

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Nathan and Ryan break down game two of the series between the Pirates and Reds in another loss. Paul Skenes did not look like his CY Young self-tonight in a no decision effort on the mound. The offense tried to comeback but the bullpen had their 20th blown save. Ryan O'Hearn gets injured in the 9th and it does not look good.

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Pittsburgh Pirates enter the MLB trade deadline as buyers for the first time in years, with playoff hopes driving a bold new approach. Can a deal for Luke Weaver or Robbie Ray transform the pitching staff, or will prospect cost force Ben Cherrington’s hand? Gary Morgan weighs the pros and cons of parting with rising talents like Sammy Stafura and Murph Gray as the Pirates target crucial bullpen reinforcements.

Key discussions center on Nick Gonzales' defensive struggles versus his offensive necessity, the outlook on Oneil Cruz’s role, and how adding proven arms like Jeff Hoffman could reshape late-inning matchups. Gary Morgan predicts landing spots for major trade chips—think Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, Luis Arraez to the Rays, and the ripple effects across the league. With the NL Wild Card race tightening and the CBA looming, every move could tip the balance for October.

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