Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates face clubhouse drama as Carmen Mlodzinski lands on the restricted list after refusing a bullpen role, raising tough questions about player control and team dynamics. Can the Pirates maintain unity amid this high-profile standoff, or will it derail their tight pitching rotation strategy down the stretch?

Host Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ thrilling sweep of the Minnesota Twins, Braxton Ashcraft’s breakout as the team’s steadiest starter, and how injuries to Konnor Griffin are creating roster dilemmas. Hot topics include the ascension order of Nick Yorke vs. Callahan, bullpen adjustment strategies, and whether Andrew McCutchen could make an impact as a future coach. With the offense heating up and upcoming series against the Houston Astros looming, can Pittsburgh sustain their momentum and playoff hopes?

Don’t miss this sharp analysis of the Pirates’ evolving roster challenges and the real test of team chemistry.

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Nathan breaks down the finale of the weekend series between the Pirates and Twins. Braxton Ashcraft yet again put together a solid outing, where he struck out 11 Twins batters in 6 innings. Ryan O'Hearn in his first at bat off the injured list hit a HR, and the rest of the offense kept up the momentum. The Pirates will head to Houston and Atlanta this week to kick off the month of June.

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The Pirates blew a 7-1 lead early, but the offense continued to rake to pull ahead to win a 10-9 game over the Twins. Mitch Keller had a 7-1 lead and blew it quickly as he gave up seven earned runs in four innings. Oneil Cruz, Spencer Horwitz and Jake Mangum all homered in this one to lead the offense as they collected 15 hits and 10 runs in the victory. Gregory Soto nailed down his 7th save by registering the last four outs.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the weekend series between the Pirates and Twins. Bryan Reynolds slugged a 2-run WALK OFF Home Run to defeat the Twins 6-5 in Derek Shelton's return to PNC Park. Jared JUones struggled in his first start since 2024, but the offense picked him up along with a shutdown bullpen. Oneil Cruz hit the 7th Homer into the Allegheny River on the fly in the history of PNC Park.

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Pittsburgh Pirates spiral as bullpen chaos and tough roster decisions threaten momentum. Paul Skenes delivers another electric start with 10 strikeouts, while Bryan Reynolds keeps his hot streak alive—yet another late-game meltdown exposes critical relief pitching woes. With injuries to Konnor Griffin and Nick Gonzales forcing unexpected call-ups like Tyler Callahan, and shaky performances from Yohan Ramirez and Justin Lawrence, is the Pirates’ season teetering on the brink?

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ pitching carousel as Carmen Mlodzinski moves to the bullpen, Jared Jones takes the mound, and Bubba Chandler stays put. The episode also spotlights MLB’s brewing labor battle: the MLBPA’s bold CBA proposals clash with ownership’s push for a salary cap and sweeping local media revenue sharing. Can the Pirates right the ship before facing Derek Shelton’s Minnesota Twins? Will MLB’s escalating labor tensions reshape the future of small-market baseball?

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Rugiet
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KALSHI

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The Pirates defense fell apart in the 6th inning to chase Paul Skenes as the Pirates drop one to the Cubs 7-2. The bats were silent for most of the game besides a Bryan Reynolds solo shot and a Tyler Callihan RBI double in his Pirates debut. Ian Happ continued his Pirates assault with three hits, a home run and two RBIs. 

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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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Pittsburgh Pirates face a critical development crossroads as Bubba Chandler struggles on the mound—should the team send him to Triple-A or try a bullpen reset? Gary Morgan highlights Chandler’s mental and mechanical challenges, the growing tension between player growth and playoff ambition, and why a temporary demotion might unlock his potential. Meanwhile, the Pirates’ bullpen woes continue to derail close games, as Johan Ramirez and Lawrence battle inconsistency.

Brandon Lowe emerges as an All-Star lock, leading the charge with elite power numbers and all-around play, positioning himself as the National League’s top second baseman. Topics also include Termarr Johnson’s AAA struggles, the immediate futures of Bailey Falter and Andrew McCutchen, and Endy Rodriguez’s case to claim the starting catcher job from Joey Bart. Can the Pirates’ young core deliver stability and spark a postseason push, or will roster decisions define their fate? Find out as Gary Morgan breaks it all down.

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The Pirates bullpen imploded again as they are blown out 10-4 to the Cubs as the Cubs snap a 10-game losing streak. Bubba Chandler struggled again in this one with four runs allowed on eight hits and two walks in five innings of work. Brandon Lowe hit his team-leading 14th home run to tie the game in the 3rd inning and Konnor Griffin homered for his 4th blast of the season.

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Pittsburgh Pirates impress as Braxton Ashcraft delivers another dominant outing, shrugging off defensive miscues while showcasing poise and grit rarely seen since Joe Musgrove. Can Ashcraft anchor this rotation with Jared Jones returning and a playoff push in sight?

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ evolving lineup, emerging young stars like Esmerlyn Valdez and Password Garcia, and the mounting roster crunch as Ryan O’Hearn’s return looms. Key topics include strategic rotation changes, Marcelo Ozuna’s struggles, and how Don Kelly navigates a complex bullpen amid rising expectations. Will Braxton Ashcraft secure an extension—and can the Pirates’ current chemistry survive looming roster decisions? Don’t miss this sharp, timely analysis of Pittsburgh’s playoff path.

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5-Hour ENERGY

Rugiet
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Indeed

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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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Nathan breaks down game two of the four game series between the Pirates and Cubs. The Pirates bats had a great night on Star Wars night as they blew out the Cubs 12-1. Braxton Ashcraft yet again put together an efficient outing. The Pirates will look to take the series in game three of the four game series tomorrow.

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