Let's Go Bucs! A Pittsburgh Pirates Rebuild

[TribeTown]

JULY 2030 IN REVIEW
It was another month of mediocrity on the field, but thanks to the overall weakness of the NL Central the Pirates remain within striking distance.

The biggest news of the month was the continued reshaping of the roster, and especially the trade of Corbin Carroll, who has been a franchise cornerstone. The Pirates tried to extend Carroll's contract, but would not or could not meet his demand for an 8 year extension at $28,000,000 per year. The Pirates were willing to extend him at that price for 3 years with a team option for a 4th, but Carroll would not budge from his demand. After the final talks broke off during the All Star break, the Pirates had to decide whether to trade him or let him play out the rest of this year and lose him in free agency. Although in the race, in the end they decided to maximize their return for him in hopes of building their roster for 2031. They would have liked to have gotten more for him, but considering his subpar performance this year and the fact that he is a short term rental, probably did as well as could be expected. Julio Ramirez is one of the top prospects in Seattle’s organization, and all 4 players received in return have a chance to contribute at the big league level over the next few years.

The Pirates are very excited for their return for Shohei Ohtani. Ernesto Parra has been considered a top prospect for several years but has never had the chance to crack the lineup with the Dodgers. Now that Corbin Carroll has been traded, he will have the opportunity to play everyday. He has the tools to be an above average or better major leaguer, if he reaches his potential.

The remaining concern is the precipitous decline of Masayoshi Oshima. The Pirates acquired Willy Vasquez to fill the gap at 3B. Oshima’s defense at 3B has become so bad that he is now getting most of his reps at 1B and DH.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The Pirates are in 3rd place, 5 games behind the Cubs and 2 games behind the Reds. The Braves lead the NL East and the Giants lead the West. In the AL, Toronto and the Yankees are battling for the lead in the East. Cleveland and Texas have comfortable leads in their divisions.

1. July 4 – Dodgers 2B Ketel Marte collected career hit #2000 in a 6-5 win over the Cubs. In the same game, Dodgers OF Mookie Betts hit career home run #400.
   
2. July 5 – Colorado Closer Bryan Ramos will miss the next 13 months with a torn rotator cuff. Cleveland traded a minor league 2B to Houston in exchange for C Daulton Varsho.
   
3. July 10 – The Mets signed free agent RP David Bednar.
   
4. July 13 – Arizona traded RP Colin Holderman to Philadelphia in exchange for a minor league 2B.
   
5. July 21 – Texas 2B Corey Seager hit career home run #300 in a 8-2 win over the White Sox. Phillies reliever Norwich Gudino tore his flexor tendon and will miss 12-13 months. Giants SP Max Fried will miss the next 6 weeks with elbow inflammation.
   
6. July 24 – Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado announced he will retire at the end of the season. Atlanta traded RP Darwinzon Hernandez and minor league OF Luis Lara to Houston in exchange for 3B Josh Jung.
   
7. July 25 – Arizona traded a pitching prospect to Toronto in exchange for P Bryse Wilson.
   
8. July 26 – The Angels traded P Cristian Javier to the Giants in exchange for a minor league pitcher.
   
9. July 29 – Milwaukee traded O Alex Reyes and C Ernesto Rivera to Boston in exchange for P prospect Luis Ramirez. Padres SS Fernando Tatis hit career HR #400.
   
10. July 31 -; Atlanta 1B Matt.Olson hit career HR #400. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 7 in a 14-4 win over the Dodgers. Milwaukee 1B hit career HR #300 in a win at Colorado.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• July 3 – Indianapolis P Spencer Turnbull suffered a torn flexor tendon and will miss the rest of the season.
  
• July 13 – Indianapolis 1B Jun-Seo Kim blasted 3 home runs as the Indians beat Nashville 11-7.
  
• July 15 – Jun-Seo Kim was the IL Player of the Week after going 10-22 with 4 HRs and 10 RBIs.

[TribeTown]

Game #115 – August 1 – St. Louis 6, Pittsburgh 4
The Cardinals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning and led 5-0 after 3. Israel Pineda's 3-run home run in the 4th brought the Pirates back into the game but the Cardinals held on.
WP: L. Giolito (1-2)
LP: J. Cox (9-8)
SV: L. Gillaspie (21)
Record: 55-60

Game #116 – August 2 – Pittsburgh 7, St. Louis 4
Ernesto Parra hit a bases clearing double in the 2nd inning and collected 5 RBIs for the game.
WP: J. Garza (2-1)
LP: P. Skenes (0-3)
SV: A. Villa (19)
Record: 56-60

Game #117 – August 3 – Pittsburgh 6, St. Louis 0
Frank Gonzalez pitched a complete game 2 hitter, striking out 14 and walking 2. Jun-seo Kim blasted a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 1st to give the Pirates the only runs they would need.
WP: F. Gonzalez (7-3)
LP: J. Rivero (8-8)
Record: 57-60

Game #118 – August 4 – Pittsburgh 12, Atlanta 9
Joe Brown went 4-5 with a home run and 3 doubles, scoring 4 times and driving in 3 to lead the Pirates to a win in a high scoring affair. Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2 run double in the 5th to give Pittsburgh a 5-2 lead.
WP: S. Bieber (4-6)
LP: M. Soroka (8-9)
Record: 58-60

August 5 – PPD Rain

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jeff Hathcock to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled Jorge Silva.

Game #119 – August 6 (Game #1) – Atlanta 7, Pittsburgh 0
Quinn Priester shut down his former teammates as Atlanta took the 1st game of the doubleheader.
WP: Q. Priester (11-9)
LP: C. Smith (6-6)
Record: 58-61

Game #120 – August 6 (Game #2) – Atlanta 7, Pittsburgh 0
The Pirates were shut out again, this time at the hands of Michael King.
WP: M. King (7-2)
LP: J. Cox (9-9)
Record: 58-62

[TribeTown]

August 7 – Off Day

TRANSACTIONS: Signed Israel Pineda to a 4 year contract extension worth $30,500,000. Signed BC Miguel Perez and 1B Coach Tarik Brock to 3 year contract extensions.

Game #121 – August 8 – Charlotte 3, Pittsburgh 2
Eddy Yean pitched well and the Pirates managed just 2 hits – one of them a 2 run home run by Aaron Judge in the bottom of the 6th inning.
WP: E. Yean (8-5)
LP: K. Milbrandt (5-4)
SV: C. McKinney (26)
Record: 58-63

Game #122 – August 9 – Pittsburgh 6, Charlotte 5
Frank Gonzalez was dominant allowing 4 hits over 7 shutout innings and striking out 9. Jun-Seo Kim homered in the 3rd and Nick McLain and Aaron Judge drove in 2 runs apiece.
WP: F. Gonzalez (8-3)
LP: S. Baz (10-11)
Record: 59-63

Game #123 – August 10 – Pittsburgh 5, Charlotte 4 (14 innings)
Trailing 4-0, the Pirates scored 4 times in the bottom of the 9th (the biggest hit was a 2-run single by Aaron Judge to tie the game) to send this game into extra innings. Ernesto Parra singled home the go-ahead ahead run in the bottom of the 14th to give the Buccos a walk off win.
WP: G. Kirby (2-6)
LP: A. Warner (2-2)
Record: 60-63

Game #124 – August 11 – Pittsburgh 8, Milwaukee 7
Alejandro Olano hit 2 home runs and Owen Paino singled home 2 runs in the 7th to put Pittsburgh up, 8-4. The Brewers scored 3 times in the bottom of the 8th, but the Pirates managed to hold on.
WP: C. Smith (7-6)
LP: T. Bacon (0-1)
SV: A. Villa (20)
Record: 61-63

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jake Morrow to AAA Indianapolis and recalled Drayk Bowen.

Game #125 – August 12 – Pittsburgh 4, Milwaukee 1
Jackson Cox shut down the Brewers (7 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 5 K, 2 BB) and Owen Paino drove in 3 runs, including an 8th inning, 2 run single that.gave the Pirates a 4-1 lead.
WP: J. Cox (10-9)
LP: T. White (10-12)
SV: A. Troesser (1)
Record: 62-63

Game #126 – August 13 – Pittsburgh 8, Milwaukee 7
The Pirates won their 5th straight game, completing the sweep and reaching .500 for the 1st time since the 1st week of the season. Alejandro Olano led the way, going 3-5 with a 3 run home run in the 5th inning. Nick McClain’s 6th inning single gave the Pirates a 7-6 lead.
WP: K. Milbrandt (6-4)
LP: T. Glasnow (1-6)
SV: A. Villa (21)
Record: 63-63

[TribeTown]

Game #127 – August 14 – Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 2
Optimism is running high in the Steel City as the Pirates won again as Frank Gonzalez shut down the 1st place Giants. Gonzalez pitched 5.2 shutout innings, striking out 8.
WP: F. Gonzalez (9-3)
LP: J. Flaherty (4-9)
SV: A. Villa (22)
Record: 64-63

Game #128 – August 15 – San Francisco 2, Pittsburgh 0
Jesse Bergin overpowered Pirates hitters, who were held to just 2 hits, as the Buccos lost for the 1st time in 7 days.
WP: J. Bergin (15-9)
LP: S. Bieber (4-7)
SV: J. Sheffield (32)
Record: 64-64

Game #129 – August 16 – San Francisco 2, Pittsburgh 1 (14 innings)
The Giants prevailed in another pitcher’s duel and took the series. Heston Kjerstad singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 14th inning.
WP: F. Stadler (1-0)
LP: J. Silva (0-1)
Record: 64-65

Game #130 – August 17 – Miami 6, Pittsburgh 2
The Pirates dropped their 3rd straight game as the Marlins scored 5 times in the 5th.
WP: S. Droham (5-11)
LP: J. Cox (10-10)
Record: 64-66

Game #131 – August 18 – Miami 4, Pittsburgh 3 (10 innings)
Joe Brown doubled home the tying run in the bottom of the 9th, but Tyree Reed singled home the winning run in the top of the 10th.
WP: A. Walters (5-3)
LP: A. Villa (1-2)
Record: 64-67

Game #132 – August 19 – Miami 6, Pittsburgh 0
The Pirates dropped their 5th straight in an uninspired effort at PNC Park.
WP: M. Albright (7-9)
LP: F. Gonzalez (9-4)
Record: 64-68

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jorge Silva to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled P Tanner McDougal.

August 20 – Off Day

Game #133 – August 21 – Cincinnati 7, Pittsburgh 5
Shane Bieber pitched 8 shutout innings but ran into trouble in the 9th. Alvaro Villa relieved him but could not stop the onslaught as Cincinnati scored 7 times in the bottom of the 9th to win. Ty France hit a grand slam for the walk off win. (It was not a save situation, so Villa’s save streak is still technically intact).
WP: B. Porter (4-8)
LP: A. Villa (1-3)
Record: 64-69

TRANSACTION: Claimed P Kumar Rocker off waivers from Tampa Bay. Rocker, once a top pitching prospect, was 6-5 with a 4.09 ERA in 18 starts for the Rays.

Game #134 – August 22 – Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 5
Joe Brown hit a 2-run home run in the 7th and Adan Sanchez singled home the tying run in the 8th, but Carter Trice singled home the winning run as the Reds walked it off again. The Pirates dropped their 7th straight game.
WP: C. Phillips (5-10)
LP: J. Garza (2-2)
Record: 64-70

Game #135 – August 23 – Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 5
The Pirates hit a bases clearing double in the top of the 9th to tie the game, but Pat Bell doubled home the winning run as the Reds walked it off for the 3rd straight day.
WP: B. Porter (5-8)
LP: A. Troesser (2-3)
Record: 64-71

TRANSACTION: Placed Willy Vasquez on the 10 day Injured List with a sprained knee. Purchased the contract of SS Adrian Jimenez from AAA Indianapolis. Jimenez was Pittsburgh's 1st round draft pick in 2021.
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[TribeTown]

Game #136 – August 24 – Pittsburgh 8, Colorado 2
George Kirby returned to the rotation and pitched very well, allowing 2 unearned runs over 6 innings of work. He struck out 8 and walked 1.
WP: G. Kirby (3-6)
LP: F. Lopez (10-12)
Record: 65-71

Game #137 – August 25 – Pittsburgh 6, Colorado 2
Frank Gonzalez was fantastic, scattering 1 hit over 7 innings. Nick McLain hit his 1st home run in the 3rd inning.
WP: F. Gonzalez (10-4)
LP: M. Cobham (1-7)
SV: A. Villa (23)
Record: 66-71

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jesus Garza to AAA Indianapolis. Placed Kumar Rocker on the active roster.

Game #138 – August 26 – Colorado 3, Pittsburgh 1
The Rockies salvaged the final game of the series behind a strong start by Jared Miner.
WP: J. Miner (8-11)
LP: S. Bieber (4-8)
SV: H. Oliverez (9)
Record: 66-72

Game #139 – August 27 – NY Mets 4, Pittsburgh 0
Matt Allan shut down the Pirates, allowing 2 runs over 8 innings.
WP: M. Allan (17-7)
LP: C. Smith (7-7)
Record: 66-72

Game #140 – August 28 – Pittsburgh 6, NY Mets 1
Jackson Cox pitched well, and Ernesto Parra singled home the go ahead run in the top of the 8th. The Pirates added 4 runs in the 9th to give themselves some insurance.
WP: J. Rosario (3-2)
LP: G. Marquez (8-9)
Record: 67-72

Game #141 – August 29 – Pittsburgh 8, NY Mets 7
Arturo Longoria slammed 3 home runs, but Joe Brown went 4-5 with 2 home runs to lead the Pirates to a win.
WP: G. Kirby (4-6)
LP: J. Butto (0-2)
SV: A. Villa (24)
Record: 68-72

TRANSACTION: Placed Masayoshi Oshima on the 10 day Injured List with a hamstring strain. Recalled Jake Morrow from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #142 – August 30 – LA Dodgers 3, Pittsburgh 2 (11 innings)
Frank Gonzalez pitched well, and Jun-Seo Kim singled home the tying run in the bottom of the 8th inning, but Andy Pages doubled home the winning run in the 11th as the Dodgers prevailed.
WP: E. Hancock (9-11)
LP: J. Rosario (3-3)
Record: 68-73

Game #143 – August 31 – Pittsburgh 6, LA Dodgers 1
Shane Bieber allowed 1 run on 4 hits over 6 innings. Drayk Bowen hit a 3 run home run in the bottom of the 3rd to give the Pirates a 6-1 lead.
WP: S. Bieber (5-8)
LP: M. Buchanan (14-11)
Record: 69-73

[TribeTown]

AUGUST 2030 IN REVIEW

August was a microcosm of this season. Them Pirates teased their fans with a 6 game win streak to move above .500 and to within 2 games of the division lead, then promptly lost 8 in a row. They finished the month with a 14-15 record.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The playoff picture is pretty much set except for the NL Central. Barring a major collapse, Atlanta and San Francisco should win their divisions. Cleveland and Texas are more or less locks in the AL. New York leads Toronto in the AL East, but the 2nd place team will qualify as a Wild Card. The 3 Wild Card spots in both leagues also appear to be more or less settled. The NL Central remains a battle between Chicago and Mil, with the Pirates hanging on 4 games behind the Cubs.

• August 1 – Frank Gonzalez was named July’s NL Pitcher of the Month, going 4-1 with a 3.03 ERA in 6 starts.
  
• August 3 – Philadelphia star 1B Nick Pratto tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season.
  
• August 5 – Yankees star 2B Anthony Volle will miss 5 weeks with a strained PCL.
  
• August 6 – Rangers 2B Corey Seager will miss 5 weeks with a strained MCL.
  
• August 12 – Boston 3B collected career hit #2500 in a loss to the Blue Jays.
  
• August 14 – Mets star Arturo Longoria hit 4 home runs in 6 at bats as New York beat Colorado 20-6. Longoria collected 9 RBIs.
  
• August 17 – Oakland 3B Manny Machado collected career hit #2500 in a win over Detroit.
  
• August 19 – Dodgers SP Walker Buehler will miss 6 weeks with a herniated disc. Seattle closer Emmanuel Clase earned his 300th career save in a win over Minnesota.
  
• August 27 – San Diego SP Triston McKenzie hurled a no-hotter as the Padres beat Miami 4-0.
  
• August 28 – Phillies SP Julio Urias will miss the rest of the season with a torn flexor tendon.
  
• August 29 – Arizona SP Jackson Kowar will miss the rest of the season with a bone spur in his elbow.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• August 1 – Bradenton 1B Frank Padilla was FSL Batter of the Month after hitting .292 with 9 HR and 25 RBIs. Bradenton P Luis Burgos was the FSL Pitcher of the Month for July after going 4-0 with a 1.05 ERA in 5 starts.

[TribeTown]

TRANSACTION: Recalled Kyrin Long and Luca Reyes from AAA Indianapolis (roster expansion).

Game #144 – September 1 – Pittsburgh 6, LA Dodgers 3
Carter Smith pitched well (6 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 11 K, 1 BB) and Joe Brown hit a 3 run home run in the 5th inning to give the Pirates a 5-0 lead.
WP: C. Smith (8-7)
LP: D. Hl (13-7)
Record: 70-74

September 2 – Off Day

Game #145 – September 3 – Pittsburgh 7, Arizona 1
Jackson Cox pitched the Pirates to a win at Arizona. Pittsburgh scored twice in the 3rd and 4 times in the 4th (highlighted by a 2 run double by Alejandro Olano) to take a 6-0 lead.
WP: J. Cox (11-10)
LP: W. Frisch (0-2)
Record: 71-74

Game #146 – September 4 – Pittsburgh 7, Arizona 1
George Kirby has a solid start, allowing 6 hits and striking out 7 over 6.2 shutout innings.
WP: G. Kirby (5-6)
LP: J. Susana (8-8)
Record: 72-74

Game #147 – September 5 – Pittsburgh 9, Arizona 1
The Pirates completed the sweep behind a superb performance by Frank Gonzalez.
WP: F. Gonzalez (11-4)
LP: R. Nelson (5-3)
Record: 73-74

Game #148 – September 6 – Chicago 5, Pittsburgh 0
The Cubs came to town for a huge series at PNC Park and took game 1 as Frank Aguilar dominated Pirates hitters. Pittsburgh managed just 2 hits in the game. Aguilar threw 107 pitches in a complete game effort.
WP: F. Aguilar (5-1)
LP: S. Bieber (5-9)
Record: 73-75

Game #149 – September 7 – Pittsburgh 3, Chicago 2
The Pirates won a game they absolutely had to have behind another solid effort by Carter Smith. Alejandro Olano’s 2 run home run in the bottom of the 3rd inning broke a 1-1 tie. With the win, the Pirates.move to within 1 game of 1st place.
WP: C. Smith (9-7)
LP: D. Herz (10-10)
SV: A. Villa (25)
Record: 74-75

Game #150 – September 8 – Chicago 4, Pittsburgh 1
The Cubs held onto 1st place by winning the rubber match of this important series. They leave town with a 2 game lead in the Central.
WP: T. Rogers (13-9)
LP: J. Cox (11-11)
SV: R. Marinaccio (21)
Record: 74-76

[TribeTown]

Game #151 – September 9 – Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 0
George Kirby was outstanding, allowing just 2 hits over 6 shutout innings. Adrian Jimenez stroked a 2 run double to highlight a 6 run 5th for the Pirates.
WP: G. Kirby (6-6)
LP: R. Suarez (1-1)
Record: 75-76

Game #152 – September 10 – Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 5
The Pirates kept their playoff hopes alive when Jake Morrow hit a 2 run home run with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th to give them a dramatic walk off win.
WP: A. Troesser (3-3)
LP: Z. Maxwell (2-5)
Record: 76-76

Game #153 – September 11 – Philadelphia 8, Pittsburgh 5
Ethan Holliday went 3-4 to help beat his former teammates as the Phillies won the rubber match of the series.
WP: J. Urquidy (7-4)
LP: S. Bieber (5-10)
SV: Z. Maxwell (37)
Record: 76-77

TRANSACTION: Signed Alejandro Olano to a 7 year contract worth a total of $58,320,000.

Game #154 – September 12 – Washington 3, Pittsburgh 0
Juan Soto hit 2 home runs as the Nationals tipped the Pirates. Andry Lara shut down the Pittsburgh offense, who managed just 5 hits.
WP: A. Lara (8-10)
LP: C. Smith (9-8)
SV: O. Ortega (38)
Record: 76-78

TRANSACTION: Placed Alejandro Olano on the 10 day Injured List (intercostal strain). Recalled Luca Reyes from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #155 – September 13 – Pittsburgh 5, Washington 3
Joe Brown singled home the go ahead run in the top of the 9th as the Pirates won a big game to remain alive in the NL Central race.
WP: T. McDougal (1-2)
LP: S. Boyle (0-1)
SV: A. Villa (26)
Record: 77-78

Game #156 – September 14 – Washington 10, Pittsburgh 4
A devastating loss (although the Pirates are still alive) as Washington took the rubber match despite a big day (3-4) for Aaron Judge.
WP: G. Crochet (7-2)
LP: G. Kirby (7-7)
Record: 77-79

TRANSACTION: Placed Drayk Bowen on the 10 day Injured List (shoulder tendonitis). Activated Masayoshi Oshima from rehab assignment.

[TribeTown]

September 15 – Off Day

Game #157 – September 16 – Pittsburgh 4, San Diego 3
Nick McLain hit a run-scoring triple in the bottom of the 7th to tie the game at 3. The Pirates took the lead on a bases-loaded walk to Aaron Judge later in the inning.
WP: J. Rosario (4-3)
LP: K. Castro (7-8)
SV: A. Villa (27)
Record: (78-79)

Game #158 – September 17 – Pittsburgh 5, San Diego 3
Joe Brown went 3-5 with a home run and Aarom Judge drove in 3 runs, including the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Shane Bieber pitched 6 quality innings as the Pirates pulled to .500 and within 1 game of the division-leading Cubs.
WP: S. Bieber (6-10)
LP: Z. Gallen (7-13)
SV: A. Villa (28)
Record: 79-79

Game #159 – September 18 – San Diego 6, Pittsburgh 2
Chris Rodriguez kept the Pirates in check, although they out-hit the Padres 10-6. Pittsburgh remains 1 GB Chicago.
WP: C. Rodriguez (17-9)
LP: C. Smith (9-9)
Record: 79-80

Game #160 – September 19 – Pittsburgh 11, St. Louis 3
The Pirates won and the Cubs lost. With 2 games remaining in this season,.somehow the Pirates find themselves in a 1st place tie in the Central.
WP: J. Cox (12-11)
LP: L. Giolito (5-5)
SV: J. Rosario (3)
Record: 80-80

TRANSACTION: Placed Owen Paino on the 10 day Injured List (strained hamstring). Purchased the contract of Jeff Chalker from AAA Indianapolis. (Chalker was Pittsburgh’s 1st round draft pick in 2027).

Game #161 – September 20 – St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 0
Masyn Winn held Pirates batters in check as Pittsburgh managed just 2 hits. The Cubs won, so the Pirates are 1 GB going into the final game of the season.
WP: M. Wynn (8-9)
LP: G. Kirby (6-8)
SV: T. Cosgrove (1)
Record: 80-81

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jeff Chalker to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Alejandro Olano from the IL.

Game #162 – September 21 – St. Louis 3, Pittsburgh 0
The Pirates were shut out again and were fell short of the playoffs.
WP: C. Guzman (1-0)
LP: F. Gonzalez (11-5)
SV: L. Gillaspie (34)
Record: 80-82

[TribeTown]

2030 PLAYOFFS

NL Wild Card:
NY Mets beat San Francisco, 2 games to 0.
San Diego beat Chicago, 2 games to 0

AL Wild Card
Seattle beat NY Yankees, 2 games to 1
Chicago beat Toronto, 2 games to 0

NLDS
LA Dodgers vs beat NY Mets, 3 games to 1
San Diego beat Atlanta, 3 games to 2

ALDS
Seattle beat Texas, 3 games to 0
Cleveland beat Chicago, 3 games to 1

NLCS
San Diego beat LA Dodgers, 4 games to 0

ALCS
Cleveland beat Seattle, 4 games to 0

World Series:
San Diego beat Cleveland, 4 games to 2

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2030 IN REVIEW
It was an appropriate end to this particular season that the Pirates teased their fans by moving into a 1st place tie with 2 games remaining, then proceeded to be shut out both days to be eliminated from the playoff race. In the immediate end of season postmortem, the 8 losses when the bullpen blew leads in the bottom of the 8th or 9th innings (5 of them in the season's first month and a half) were especially devastating. They were the difference between winning the division for a 4th straight season and falling short of the playoffs.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

• September 9 – Cincinnati’s Michael Mullinax hit form the cycle as the Reds beat Atlanta, 10-6. Angels 1B Austin Riley hit career HR #300 in a win over Cleveland.
  
• September10 – Guardians star Jose Rirez hit his 500th career home run in a win over the Angels.
  
• September 15 – Atlanta’s Matt Olson broke a bone in his elbow and will miss the rest of the season. San Francisco SP Bobby Miller will also miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum. Former Pirates and current Dodgers Khalil Watson also tore his labrum and will miss the rest of the season.
  
• September 20 – White Sox SS Tim Anderson collected his 2000th career hit.
  
• October 7 – Guardians SP Tim Flores suffered torn rotator cuff and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Seattle SP is also out for the rest of the season after tearing his flexor tendon.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• September 30 – The Indianapolis Indians finished with an 84-63 record and clinched a playoff spot. Aaron Nola was named the IL’s best starter for September.
  
• October 12 – The Iowa Cubs knocked Indianapolis out of the playoffs.

AWARDS

AL Batting Crown – RF Jamie Paz, Texas (.312, 17, 82)
NL Batting Crown – 1B Jacob Wilson, Colorado (.335, 16, 73)
AL Reliever of the Year – Hugh Fisher, Texas (7-5, 6 Saves, 1.78)
NL Reliever of the Year – Oliver Ortega, Washington (3-5, 39 Saves, 2.38)
AL Rookie of the Year – OF Juan Faudoa, Baltimore (.312, 33 HR, 87 RBI)
NL Rookie of the Year – Christhian Vaquero, LA Dodgers (.249, 28, 74)
AL Manager of the Year – Marc Valdez, Toronto
NL Manager of the Year – Kai Correa, San Diego
AL Cy Young Award – Ian Helms, NY Yankees (16-10, 2.79)
NL Cy Young Award – Frank Gonzalez, Pittsburgh (17-8, 3.11; 11-5, 3.09 after trade to Pittsburgh)
AL MVP – LF John Rhodes, Baltimore (.282, 48, 123)
NL MVP – 1B Arturo Longoria, NY Mets (.259, 58, 115)

[TribeTown]

OFF SEASON PART 1

Bob Nutting set our new budget at $174,000,000, which means we will need to cut about $20,000,000 from our payroll. (The 2030 budget was a franchise record $192,000,000).

October 19 – Atlanta re-signed Spencer Strider to a 6 year, $112,000,000 contract.

October 26 – Pittsburgh's highly regarded trainer, Rick Jameyson, announced his retirement. Scouting director Roy Clark also announced his retirement.

October 26 – Major League Baseball announced that the 2 expansion teams would be the Memphis River Cats and Portland Majestics. The expansion draft will be held on November 20.

October 30 – The Pirates announced that Chris Nathan will be their new scouting director.

October 31 – The Pirates announced that Sue Falsone will be their new team trainer.

November 5 – Arizona SP Jackson Kower suffered a career ending injury while rehabbing from TJ surgery.

November 16 – Team owner Robert Nutting has passed away. He is succeeded by his son, Addison Nutting, who is described as “tolerant” and an “economizer.”


November 16 – Salary Arbitration – The Pirates had an abnormally high number of cases go to arbitration this year:

Carter Smith – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the team ($1,500,000)

Willy Vasquez – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the team ($1,400,000)

Jerming Rosario – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($1,750,000)

Karson Milbrandt – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($1,878,750)

Adan Sanchez – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($5,000,000)

Bubba Chandler – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($2,125,000)

Kyozo Nishida – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($3,608,000)

Tanner McDougall – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($1,605,000)

Kumar Rocker – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the team ($950,000)

Austin Troesser – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the team ($1,250,000)

Nick McLain – the arbitrator ruled in favor of the player ($4,850,000)


EXPANSION DRAFT – The Pirates were hit hard in the expansion, losing a lot of their depth. Due to their high salaries and age, neither Shane Bieber nor Masayoshi Oshima were drafted, though both were left unprotected. The Pirates left Kyozo Nishida unprotected due to uncertainty about how he would return from major arm surgery. Portland decided to take a chance with him. No one drafted is a superstar, but all of them likely would have had a role on the major league team.

PORTLAND: 3B Willy Vasquez, P Kumar Rocker, C Zion Rose, P Luke Rodriguez, P Kyozo Nishida

MEMPHIS: P Carter Smith, C Israel Pineda, P Kyrin Long

November 26 – The Pirates signed SP David Magdaleno to a 5 year, $102,000,000 contract. Magdaleno was the top International FA pitcher on the market. The 22 year old Cuban is a power pitcher with an elite fastball, elite sinker, and a promising changeup and curve. He is expected to develop into o e of top of starting pitchers in the league. (65 potential stuff, 60 potential control, 80 potential fastball, 75 potential sinker, 65 potential changeup, 80 overall potential.

November 26 – RP Pierce Johnson signed a 1 year, $3,600,000 contract with the Phillies.

November 28 – TRADE: The Pirates traded Armando Cruz and minor league C Cal Miller to the Dodgers in exchange for C Dan Syquia and P Maddux Burns. Syquia, 25, was a 1st round draft pick in 2028. He is an above average defender who provides leadership. His bat is below average but he does have some pop. Burns is a veteran reliever who struggles with his control.

November 29 – SP Hunter Greene signed a 5 year, $107,600,000 contract with Milwaukee.

December 1 – CF Akil Baddoo signed a 4 year, $96,800,000 contract with the Yankees.

December 2 – The Cubs signed SS Carlos Correa to a 3 year, $84,600,000 contract.

December 3 – The Dodgers signed C Jefferson Quero to a 5 year, $23,360,000 contract.

December 4 – Cleveland re-signed RP Eli Villalobos, taking one of the top relievers off the market.

December 6 – The Dodgers signed veteran SP Logan Webb. The Angels signed veteran RP Dillon Tate. San Antonio signed P Dinelson Lamet. International FA SP David Logan signed a 7 year, $76,200,000 contract with Toronto.

December 8 – RP Max Meyer signed a 2 year deal with the Yankees

December 10 – P Aaron Ashby signed a 2 year deal with the Dodgers.

December 11 – SP Michael Kopech signed with the Mets on a 1 year deal. RP Luis Gil and RP Kodi Whitley signed with the Dodgers.

December 12 – RP Logan Rinehart and Hancel Rincon signed with the Dodgers.

December 13 – The Mets signed Francisco Lindor to a 3 year, $75,600,000 contract extension.

December 15 – The Blue Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero to a 6 year, $215,200,000 contract extension.

December 17 – RP Nick Lodolo signed a 2 year contract with the Cubs.

December 18 – The Cubs signed RP Anthony Castro. Daulton Varsho signed a 1 year, $8,900,000 contract with the Padres.

December 19 – The Cubs signed RP Anthony Castro.

December 21 – The Pirates signed International FA SS Arturo Ayala to a minor league deal. The 22 year old Cuban in an excellent defender with blazing speed, but his bat needs to develop. If Arturo is not promoted to the major leagues after the 1st month of the season, he will become a free agent.

December 21 – Former Pirate George Kirby returned home to Seattle on a 1 year deal. Kansas City signed RP Corey Knebel. The Mets signed Gleyber Torres to a 5 year, $91,000,000 deal. Houston signed RP Edwin Uceta. sP Cody Morris signed a 4 year deal with the White Sox.

December 22 – The Mets signed CL Joe Jimenez to a 2 year deal. C Luis Campusano signed a 5 year, $87,000,000 contract with the Cubs.

December 23 – Philadelphia signed RP Andrew Heaney to a 1 year, $4,080,000 contract. RP Jordan Romano signed with Seattle. Logan Allen (someone the Pirates had considered trading for before last season’s trade deadline) signed a 5 year, $49,500,000 contract with Kansas City.

December 24 – Minnesota traded SP Isaiah Page to the Mets in exchange for a minor league pitcher.

December 27 – Pirates minor league RP Ben Wilkinson, acquired from Seattle in the Corbin Carroll deal, announced that he is retiring from baseball to pursue a career in basketball. He is expected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

December 28 – Houston traded SP J. T. Quinn and a minor league 2B to Arizona in exchange for 2 prospects. Oakland traded OF Jesus Sanchez and cash to Tampa Bay for a minor league P.

December 29 – Charlotte traded RF Dominic Fletcher to the Yankees for a minor league P. Baltimore traded 2 minor leaguers to the Angels in exchange for SP Tanner Houck.

December 31 – Toronto traded a minor league P to Washington in exchange for RP Garrett Crochet. The Mets signed RP Will Klein to a 3 year, $16,200,000 contract.

[TribeTown]

OFF SEASON PART 2

A Note About This Save – I had really considered stepping away and ending this save at the end of last season. Through 10 seasons, the Pirates have made the playoffs 5 times and won 2 World Series. The core group from that run have all mostly moved on now, and the “window” seems to be closing. But I am excited to have 3 of the best young players in the league (OF Alejandro Olano, CL Alvaro Villa, and now new SP David Magdaleno) plus a couple of other core pieces that could set this team on a new run of success – so (at least for now) I plan to continue.

I did update from 23 to 25, so that may impact things as I see the ratings for some players are significantly lower with the update.

January 1 – The Mets signed RP Genesis Cabrera. Toronto traded a minor league 2B to Charlotte in exchange for Travis Bazzana, a minor league 1B, and cash.

January 6 – CL Ron Marinaccio signed a $10,900,000 deal with the Dodgers.

January 7 – The Cubs traded 2 minor leaguers to Tampa Bay in exchange for 3B Xavier Edwards.

January 8 – HALL OF FAME VOTING – Craig Kimbrel and Ichiro Suzuki were elected.

January 10 – Star OF Dylan Carlson signed a 3 year deal with the Mets. Former Pirate Yerry De Los Santos signed a 2 year, $34,800,000 deal with Arizona.

January 14 – Philadelphia traded C Daniel Susac and cash to Minnesota in exchange for OF David Toribio. The Cubs announced they had signed CL Emmanuel Clase to a 3 year, $17,000,000 deal. The Mets signed OF Michael Harris III to a 7 year deal.

January 17 – CL Kervin Castro signed a 1 year deal with Miami.

January 19 – Corbin Carroll signed with the Yankees for considerably less than he had hoped, but it was still a good payday for the former Pirate – 6 years, $103,200,000.

January 21 – The Mets signed CL Josh Hader to a 2 year deal worth $39,200,000. Former Pirate Jacob Burke signed with Boston.

January 22 – The Pirates signed Luis Arraez to a 3 year, $22,000,000 deal (options for the 2nd and 3rd years). Arraez, who played 61 games for Pittsburgh in 2026, remains one of the best pure hitters in the game.

January 22 – RP Jordan Sheffield signed a 2 year deal with the Dodgers.

January 31 – Cleveland traded minor league 3B Nate Gentile to Philadelphia for 2B Jonathan India, minor league P Juan Venega, and $6,770,000 in cash.

February 19 – The Mets signed CL Nick Mears to a 2 year, $42,400,000 contract.

[TribeTown]

SPRING TRAINING

The Pirates had an excellent spring, finishing with a winning record and an optimistic outlook for the season. They did suffer 2 injuries of note:

Jerming Rosario fractured his elbow and will miss most of the season (at least 4 months).

Owen Paino suffered a strained lat late in camp and will miss the first few weeks of the regular season.

BNN projects the Pirates to finish 85-77. The Cubs are projected to win 96 games and win the division. If the predictions are accurate, the Pirates will contend for one of the Wild Card Spot.

• February 25 – Mets RP Michael Kopech will miss 5-6 months due to shoulder inflammation.
  
• March 4 – Yankees P Ryan Piepot will undergo TJ surgery and miss the season.
  
• March 6 – The Dodgers signed OF Jesse Winkler to a 1 year deal. The 37 year old remains a dangerous power hitter.
  
• March 20 – Toronto signed Bo Bichette to a 8 year, $170,400,000 contract extension.

OPENING DAY ROSTER

Starting Pitchers: Frank Gonzalez, Shane Bieber, David Magdaleno, Jackson Cox, Boston Kellner

Bullpen: Alvaro Villa, Austin Troesser, Jorge Silva, Maddux Bruns, Jeff Hathcock, Bubba Chandler, Karson Milbrandt, Steven Castillo

Catchers: Adan Sanchez, Dan Syquia

Infielders: Jun-Seo Kim, Joe Brown, Luis Arraez, Adrian Jimenez, Drayk Bowen, Masayoshi Oshima, Alvaro Amezola

Outfielders: Alejandro Olano, Nick McLain, Ernesto Parra, Alvaro Amezola

I think I didn’t include this in the Off Season summary, but Alvaro Amezola was a Rule 5 draft pick back in December. The 24 year old has never played above AA before being drafted from the Philadelphia organization. He has an excellent bat and the ability to hit line drives all over the field. He is an adequate defender with elite speed. (75 potential contact, 40 potential power, 75 potential speed, 70 overall potential).

[TribeTown]

Game #1 – March 27 – Colorado 10, Pittsburgh 5
The Pirates laid an egg on Opening Day as Frank Gonzalez struggled in the thin air at Coors Field. The bullpen pitched no better. Ernesto Parra hit a home run in the top of the 2nd inning and the Pirates scored twice in the 3rd to take a 3-1 lead, but Colorado scored 3 times in the bottom of the inning. The Rockies added 2 runs in the 6th and 2 more in the 7th.
WP: F. Lopez (1-0)
LP: F. Gonzalez (0-2)
Record: 0-1

Game #2 – March 28 – Pittsburgh 12, Colorado 1
Shane Bieber pitched well in his 1st start of the season and the offense erupted for 19 hits, including 8 doubles. Alejandro Olano had 4 hits (including 3 doubles) and drove in 3 runs. Adrian Jimenez also drove in 3 runs. But the real story was Bieber, who allowed 1 run on 2 hits and struck out 10 in 6 innings of work. Bieber pitcher (at least for 1 start) like the elite pitcher he used to be. He is in the last year of his massive contract, and although it is unlikely the Pirates will extend him, the 35 year old is pitching for what he hopes will be another big contract from somebody in 2032.
WP: S. Bieber (1-0)
LP: J. Jones (0-1)
Record: 1-1

Game #3 – March 29 – Colorado 8, Pittsburgh 6
David Magdaleno struggled in his major league debut. Jayden Stroman hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 5th inning to give Colorado a 4-3 lead. The Rockies added 3 more runs in the 6th.
WP: L. Avila (1-0)
LP: D. Magdaleno (0-1)
SV: C. Dabbs (1)
Record: 1-2

Game #4 – March 30 – Washington 13, Pittsburgh 8
The offense had another good day, and the pitching staff had another terrible day, leading to another high scoring loss in the Home Opener at PNC Park. The Pirates scored 5 times in the 3rd to tie the game but Jeff Hathcock immediately surrendered 4 runs in the 6th
WP: J. Baumeister (1-0)
LP: S. Castillo (0-1)
Record: 1-3

Game #5 – March 31 – Pittsburgh 9, Washington 6
The Pirates scored 7 times in the bottom of the 6th (including Jun-Seo Kim’s 2nd home run of the year) to take a 9-3 lead.
WP: K. Milbrandt (1-0)
LP: D. May (0-2)
Record: 2-3

Game #6 – April 1 – Washington 5, Pittsburgh 0
Andrew Painter shut down the Pirates offense. Frank Gonzalez allowed 3 runs in 5 innings in another subpar start.
WP: A. Painter (1-1)
LP: F. Gonzalez (0-2)
Record: 2-4

[TribeTown]

Game #7 – April 2 – Portland 7, Pittsburgh 6
Shane Bieber pitched well (6 IP, 2 R, 6.H, 6 K), but Alvaro Villa blew his 1st save opportunity of 2031, ending his 33 consecutive save streak. The Padres scored 5 times off the Pirates bullpen.
WP: K. Nishida (1-0)
LP: A. Villa (0-1)
Record: 2-5

TRANSACTION: Placed Adrian Jimenez on the 10 day Injured List with a fractured wrist. Recalled Youichirou Sugiyama from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #8 – April 3 – Pittsburgh 2, Portland 1
Dave Magdaleno allowed 1 run over 6 innings to win his 1st major league game. He outpitched Majestic starter Drew Graham.
WP: D. Magdaleno (1-1)
LP: D. Graham (0-2)
SV: A. Villa (1)
Record: 3-5

Game #9 – April 4 – Portland 5, Pittsburgh 3
The Majestics took the series with a solid win behind a fine hitting performance by Colton Hartman, who went 4-4 with a home run. Portland scored 3 times in the bottom of the 1st inning to take control of the game. Joe Brown hit a 2 run home run for the Pirates in the 8th.
WP: J. Ramirez (1-0)
LP: J. Cox (0-1)
SV: O. Mateo (1)
Record: 3-6

TRANSACTION: Claimed RP Jon Dewey off waivers from San Antonio. Optioned Jeff Hathcock to AAA Indianapolis.

Dewey has a plus fastball and plus slider combined with advanced control.

Game #10– April 5 – Pittsburgh 6, Memphis 1
Boston Kellner pitched 6.1 innings of 3 hit ball as the Pirates beat the River Cats. Jun-Seo Kim hit a 3 run home run in the 1st inning to give Pittsburgh the lead.
WP: B. Kellner (1-0)
LP: C. Smith (0-2)
SV: A. Troesser (1)
Record: 4-6

Game #11 – April 6 – Memphis 4, Pittsburgh 3
Kyrin Long pitched well against his former team as the River Cats scored 3 times in the 1st inning and held on for the win.
WP: K. Long (2-0)
LP: F. Gonzalez (0-3)
SV: J. Panacuel (1)
Record: 4-7

Game #12 – April 7 – Pittsburgh 7, Memphis 3
The Pirates took the rubber match and won their 1st series of the season behind another solid start by Shane Bieber. Youichirou Sugiyama hit a 2-run double in the bottom of the 4th inning to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead. Jake Morrow also hit a home run and drove in 3.
WP: S. Bieber (2-0)
LP: E. Marcinko (1-1)
Record: 5-7

April 8 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

Game #13 – April 9 – Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 2
David Magdaleno kept the Braves in check, pitching 6 shutout innings. The Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the 1st inning, and Jake Morrow hit his 4th home run in the 4th.
WP: D. Magdaleno (2-1)
LP: M. Soroka (0-2)
SV: A. Villa (2)
Record: 6-7

Game #14 – April 10 – Atlanta 7, Pittsburgh 2
Ozzie Albies hit a 6th inning grand slam to give the Braves a 7-1 lead.
WP: Q. Priester (1-0)
LP: J. Cox (0-2)
Record: 6-8

Game #15 – April 11 – Pittsburgh 6, Atlanta 5
The Pirates took a 6-5 lead on Adan Sanchez’s 2-run double in the bottom of the 8th inning.
WP: S. Castillo (1-1)
LP: K. Williams (0-1)
SV: A. Villa (3)
Record: 7-8

Game #16 – April 12 – Pittsburgh 4, Arizona 0
Frank Gonzalez finally pitched like an ace with 6 shutout innings to notch his 1st win of the season. The Pirates took the lead on Adan Sanchez's sacrifice fly in the 4th inning. Drayk Bowen hit his 1st home run in the 8th.
WP: F. Gonzalez (1-3)
LP: T. Weber (1-2)
Record: 8-8

Game #17 – April 13 – Pittsburgh 4, Arizona 3 (10 innings)
Luis Arraez stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the 10th inning to give the Pirates the lead.
WP: A. Troesser (1-0)
LP: Y. De Los Santos (0-1)
SV: A. Villa (4)
Record: 9-8

Game #18 – April 14 – Pittsburgh 8, Arizona 6
The Pirates completed the sweep on the strength of a 5 run 3rd inning. Nick McLain socked a 2 run double to give Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead. Luis Arraez added a 2 run double in the 7th.
WP: D. Magdaleno (3-1)
LP: J. Susana (0-3)
SV: A. Villa (5)
Record: 10-8

[TribeTown]

Game #19 – April 15 – Pittsburgh 7, NY Mets 4
Youichirou Sugiyama singled home a run in the bottom of the 4th inning to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. After the Mets tied it in the top of the 5th, Jake Morrow blasted a 2-run home run in the bottom of the inning to put Pittsburgh back on top. Alvaro Amezola doubled home another run in the 6th.
WP: J. Cox (1-2)
LP: I. Page (0-2)
SV: J. Silva (1)
Record: 11-8

Game #20 – April 16 – Pittsburgh 8, NY Mets 4
Ernesto Parra homered and Luis Arraez drove in 3 runs as the Pirates beat the struggling Mets once again.
WP: B. Kellner (2-0)
LP: B. Woodruff (1-2)
Record: 12-8

TRANSACTION: Designated Bubba Chandler for assignment. Recalled Sam Price from AAA Indianapolis. Sent Owen Paino to Indianapolis for injury rehab.

Game #21 – April 17 – Pittsburgh 3, NY Mets 1
The Pirates swept the Mets for the 1st time in recent memory and won their 7th straight game behind another fine start by Frank Gonzalez (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K). Youichirou Sugiyama doubled home 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th to give Pittsburgh the lead.
WP: F. Gonzalez (2-3)
LP: B. Gautreaux (3-2)
SV: A. Villa (6)
Record: 13-8

TRANSACTION: Placed Luis Arraez on the 10 day Injured List with knee tendinitis. Recalled Owen Paino from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #22 – April 18 – Pittsburgh 13, San Francisco 11
The Pirates trailed 11-3 after 5 innings but stormed back with 2 in the 7th, 3 in the 8th, and 5 in the 9th to win their 8th straight game. Alejandro Olano went 4-5 to raise his batting average to .429. He hit his 1st home run of the season and drove in 3. After Alvaro Amezola singled to tie the game in the 9th, Olano followed with a single to give Pittsburgh the lead.
WP: J. Dewey (1-0)
LP: M. Ayala (2-1)
SV: A. Villa (7)
Record: 14-8

Game #23 – April 19 – San Francisco 3, Pittsburgh 2 (13 innings)
It took extra innings, but the Pirates lost for the 1st time in 9 tries when Giants 1B Ted Wells took Austin Troesser deep for a walk off Giants win.
WP: J. Sterner (2-0)
LP: A. Troesser (1-1)
Record: 14-9

TRANSACTION: Placed Nick McLain on the 10 day Injured List with a fractured ulna. Recalled Luca Reyes from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #24 – April 20 – San Francisco 8, Pittsburgh 1
The Pirates were held to just 4 hits, their only run coming on a Jun-Seo Kim home run in the 4th inning.
WP: B. Miller (4-0)
LP: J. Cox (1-3)
Record: 14-10

TRANSACTION: Assigned Bubba Chandler to AAA Indianapolis.

April 21 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

Game #25 – April 22 – Milwaukee 12, Pittsburgh 2
Kenni Gomez went 3-4, including a bases clearing double in the top of the 4th as Milwaukee clobbered the Pirates.
WP: S. Dominguez (1-0)
LP: B. Kellner (2-1)
Record: 14-11

Game #26 – April 23 – Milwaukee 6, Pittsburgh 2
Stevie Emanuels pitched the Brewers to another win as the Pirates lost their 3rd game in a row.
WP: S. Emanuels (2-1)
LP: F. Gonzalez (2-4)
Record: 14-12

Game #27 – April 24 – Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 2 (11 innings)
The Brewers completed the sweep when Colt Keith doubled home the go ahead run in the 11th.
WP: J. Madden (1-0)
LP: J. Dewey (1-2)
Record: 14-13

TRADE: Traded minor league OF Jim Heil, minor league OF Dave Bennett, and Bubba Chandler to Memphis in exchange for INF Ezequiel Tovar and P Kyrin Long.

The Pirates have had their eye on Tovar for the past 2 seasons. He can play all three infield positions well, has good contact ability, and blazing speed. They could not pass up the chance to reacquire Long, once their top pitching prospect.

Game #28 – April 25 – Pittsburgh 14, Pittsburgh 5
Ernesto Parra went 4-6 with a home run, a triple and 2 singles. He scored 4 runs and drove in 4 runs. David Magdaleno had another strong outing, allowing 1 run on 4 hits over 6 innings of work.
WP: D. Magdaleno (4-1)
LP: C. Javier (2-4)
Record: 15-13

Game #29 – April 26 – Pittsburgh 6, Miami 4
Dan Syquia broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the 8th inning with a sacrifice fly.
WP: J. Dewey (2-1)
LP: C. Helton (0-2)
SV: A. Villa (8)
Record: 16-13

TRANSACTION: Optioned Joe Brown to AAA Indianapolis. Placed Ezekiel Tovar on the active roster.

Game #30 – April 27 – Miami 10, Pittsburgh 1
The Marlins clobbered the Pirates behind a strong start by Jameson Taillon.
WP: J. Taillon (1-3)
LP: B. Kellner (2-3)
Record: 16-14

TRANSACTION: Optioned Drayk Bowen to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Luis Arraez from the IL.

Game #31 – April 28 – Pittsburgh 5, St Louis 2
Frank Gonzalez had another fine effort. Dan Syquia’s 2 run triple in the bottom of the 5th inning broke a 1-1 tie.
WP: F. Gonzalez (3-4)
LP: M. Manning (3-3)
SV: A. Villa (9)
Record: 17-14

TRANSACTION: Optioned Boston Kellner to AAA Indianapolis. Placed Kyrin Long on the active roster.

Game #32 – April 29 – St. Louis 7, Pittsburgh 5 (13 innings)
Kyrin Long pitched well and the Pirates led 4-2 before the Cardinals scored twice off of Austin Troesser in the 8th inning. St. Louis took a 5-4 lead in the top of the 9th, but the Pirates tied it in the bottom of the inning. St. Louis won it with 2 runs in the 13th.
WP: J. Luzardo (4-0)
LP: J. Silva (0-1)
Record: 17-15

TRANSACTION: Claimed OF Frederic Arnould off of waivers from the Angels. Optioned Luca Reyes to AAA Indianapolis.

Arnould is an above average hitter who can provide a spark in the lineup. He is a quick runner and is an above average defender at all 3 OF positions.

Game #33 – April 30 – Pittsburgh 3, St. Louis 2
The Cardinals scored twice in the top of the 1st inning but Shane Bieber shut them down after that. The Pirates tied it in the bottom of the 8th. Ezequiel Tovar was the walk off hero when he singled home the go ahead run in the 9th.
WP: J. Dewey (3-1)
LP: L. Gillaspie (1-2)
Record: 18-15

[TribeTown]

MARCH/APRIL 2031 IN REVIEW

The Pirates had a good month-plus. On the strength of their 8 game winning streak, they went 18-15 and finished the month tied with Cincinnati, 1 game behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. Highlights include the performance of Alejandro Olano and Luis Arraez – both spent most of the month hitting over .400. Jun-Seo Kim has hit well and has shown glimpses of the power he was originally signed to provide. Rule 5 draft pick Alvaro Amezola has also contributed offensively.

The bullpen has done a pretty good job, but the starting rotation has been uncharacteristically bad. Their ERA near 4.50 ranks near the bottom of the league. David Magdaleno has pitched well, and Shane Bieber has made some good starts. Bieber is obviously on the down side of his long career and is no longer the staff ace he used to be. However, he is a solid 4 or 5 starter. Boston Kellner made a couple of strong starts before being demoted to make room for Kyrin Long, for whom the Pirates have high hopes. Frank Gonzalez’s performance has been a disappointment so far, little resembling the Cy Young Award winner of last year.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The White Sox are off to a great start and are tied with the Giants for the best record in baseball at 22-11. They lead the AL Central by 4 games. Baltimore is also off to a strong start at 21-12. They lead the Yankees by 2 games in the AL East. Texas, at 20-13, leads the West by 4 games.

Washington is 19-14 and leads Atlanta by a game in the East. Milwaukee has a 1 game lead in the Central. The Giants are 22-12 and lead the West by 4 games over the Dodgers.

• April 5 – Toronto’s Bo Bichette hit for the cycle in a 9-5 loss to the Twins.
  
• April 11 – Eury Perez of the expansion Memphis River Cats twirled a no hitter, defeating the Phillies 2-0.
  
• April 14 – Charlotte SP Luis Frias will miss the next 4 months with a torn labrum. Washington signed superstar Juan Soto to a 5 year, $197,500,000 contract extension.
  
• April 26 – Mets OF Brandon Nimmo will miss the rest of the season with a broken kneecap.
  
• April 29 – Cleveland RP Landon Sims will miss the rest of the season with a torn rotator cuff.
  
• April 30 – Dodgers star 3B Coby Mayo his his 300th career home run as LA beat Milwaukee, 2-0.

[TribeTown]

Game #34 – May 1 – Pittsburgh 8, Chicago 2
Exequiel Tovar went 3-5 with a home run to lead the Pirates. His 2 run home run in the 2nd (his 1st as a Pirate) gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead. David Magdaleno had another fine start (7 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 5 K).
WP: D. Magdaleno (5-1)
LP: J. Schmid (0-2)
Record: 19-15

Game #35 – May 2 – Chicago 2, Pittsburgh 1 (13 innings)
Jackson Cox and Dylan Lesko were both dominant as runs and hits were hard to come by. Alejandro Orosco hit a solo home run off of Maddux Bruns in the bottom of the 13th inning to give the Cubs a dramatic walk off win.
WP: C. Poteet (1-0)
LP: M. Bruns (0-2)
Record: 19-16

Game #36 – May 3 – Chicago 10, Pittsburgh 4
The Cubs scored 5 times in the 7th to take the series and move past the Pirates into 2nd place.
WP: T. Thomas (3-1)
LP: F. Gonzalez (3-5)
SV: N. Lodolo (3)
Record: 19-17

May 4 – Off Day

TRANSACTION: Placed Luis Arraez on the 10 Day Injured List (calf strain). Optioned RP Jon Dewey to AAA Indianapolis. Designated Joe Brown for assignment. Purchase the contract of RP Ernesto Bolanos and 3B Cristian Hernandez from AAA Indianapolis.

Bolanos, 26, was acquired from Arizona in 2028 in the Enrique Bradford trade. He has pitched well at every stop in the minors and we will now see if he can solidify himself in middle relief.

Hernandez, signed to a minor league deal during spring training, was long considered one of baseball’s better prospects but has never had much of a chance to prove himself at the big league level. Still only 27, he has good power but a lot of holes in his swing. He is an excellent defender.

Game #37 – May 5 – Pittsburgh 13, Cincinnati 1
The Pirates hit 5 home runs as they trounced the Reds at the Great American Ballpark. Newcomer Christian Hernandez hit a 2 run single in the 3rd inning to highlight a 7 run inning and hit his 1st home run as a Pirate in the 5th.
WP: S. Bieber (3-0)
LP: R. Cespedes (1-3)
Record: 20-17

Game #38 – May 6 – Pittsburgh 2, Cincinnati 1
Alvaro Amezola doubled home the go ahead run in the 7th inning. Kyrin Long was outstanding, limiting the Reds to 2 hits in 6.2 innings.
WP: K. Long (1-0)
LP: E. Mendez (0-1)
SV: A. Villa (10)
Record: 21 -17

Game #39 – May 7 – Pittsburgh 5, Cincinnati 4
Frederic Arnould singled to drive home the go ahead run in the top of the 7th inning as the Pirates completed the sweep.
WP: J. Silva (1-1)
LP:.G. Aguilera (1-2)
SV: A. Villa (11)
Record: 22-17

TRANSACTION: Sent Adrian Jimenez to AAA Indianapolis on an injury rehab assignment.