Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

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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The Reds squeaked out a run in the bottom of the 9th inning to walk off the Pirates 3-2 in the first game of a huge road series. The Pirates went with a bullpen in the series opener with Yohan Ramirez starting and firing two scoreless frames. Hunter Barco gave up two runs in the 3rd inning to put the Pirates in a hole and then Noah Murdock made his MLB debut and pitched two scoreless innings. Brandon Lowe tied the game in the 6th inning with his 23rd home run of the season. The Pirates offense and Lowe had a big chance in the 7th inning with bases loaded in a tie game with two out, but Lowe struck out looking. The loss drops the Pirates back to .500 at 55-55.

Everydayer Club

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Indeed

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FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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