Let's Go Bucs! A Pittsburgh Pirates Rebuild

[TribeTown]

Game #34 – May 1 – Pittsburgh 13, Colorado 1
The Pirates hit 6 home runs, including 2 by Endy Rodriguez, in a rout of the Rockies. Griffin Conine, Joshua Mears, Cole Cummings, and Heston Kjerstad also went deep.
WP: R. Contreras (4-2)
LP: A. Senzatela (2-4)
SV: J. Slaten (1)
Record: 19-15

Game #35 – May 2 – Colorado 4, Pittsburgh 3
C. J. Cron drove in 4 runs as the Rockies held on to win a tight game at PNC Park. Cron's 2-run single in the 7th put Colorado ahead 4-2.
WP: A. Goudeau (1-0)
LP: M. Clevinger (3-2)
SV: H. Olivarez (5)
Record: 19-16

Game #36 – May 3 – Colorado 7, Pittsburgh 0
The Rockies won the rubber match of the series behind an impressive pitching performance by Jared Jones.
WP: J. Jones (2-1)
LP: Q. Priester (3-3)
SV: C. Prielipp (1)
Record: 19-17

May 4 – Off Day

Game #37 – May 5 – Pittsburgh 5, Milwaukee 1
Sandy Alcantara pitched 6.1 strong innings, allowing 1 run on 8 hits. Seth Beer's 3-run home run in the 3rd inning gave the Buccos a 4-1 lead. Masayoshi Oshima added a solo shot in the 9th.
WP: S. Alcantara (4-1)
LP: A. Ashby (2-4)
SV: N. Mears (1)
Record: 20-17

Game #38 – May 6 – Pittsburgh 4, Milwaukee 1
The Pirates won again behind another strong performance from D. L. Hall. Cole Cummings blasted a 2-run home run to right in the 7th inning to give Pittsburgh a 4-1 lead.
WP: D. Hall (4-2)
LP: B. Woodruff (1-3)
SV: W. Charles (8)
Record: 21-17

Game #39 – May 7 – Milwaukee 2, Pittsburgh 0 (11 innings)
Roansy Contreras and Tyler Glasgow were both excellent, and the game remained scoreless through 10 innings. Milwaukee avoided the sweep when Francisco Meija connected for a 2-run home run off of Luis Gil for the walk-off win.
WP: T. Rogers (4-1)
LP: L. Gil (0-1)
Record: 21-18

[TribeTown]

Game #40 – May 8 – Pittsburgh 7, Charlotte 3
Mike Clevinger pitched a strong game (7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 5 K, 0 BB) and Masayoshi Oshima hit 2 home runs to lead the Pirates to a win at Brown Bears Field. Joshua Mears added a solo shot for the Buccos.
WP: M. Clevinger (4-2)
LP: D. Agnew (3-3)
Record: 22-18

Game #41 – May 9 – Charlotte 2, Pittsburgh 1
Quinn Priester was outstanding, pitching 6 shutout innings, but the Pirates could not overcome Jacob deGrom and the Brown Bears. Charlotte scored a run in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the game, and Willians Astudillo singled home another run in the 9th for a walk-off win.
WP: D. Taveras (1-1)
LP: J. Slaten (0-2)
Record: 22-19

Game #42 – May 10 – Pittsburgh 6, Charlotte 2
Sandy Alcantara pitched 7 innings of 4-hit ball as the Pirates took the series in Charlotte. Endy Rodriguez hit a solo home run in the 2nd to give Pittsburgh the lead.
WP: S. Alcantara (5-1)
LP: J. del Bosque (1-4)
Record: 23-19

Game #43 – May 11 – Miami 4, Pittsburgh 3
Bryan Renolds drilled a run-scoring single in the 7th inning to break a 3-3 tie.
WP: T. Supak (1-2)
LP: T. Walker (0-3)
SV: J. Barlow (2)
Record: 23-20

Game #44 – May 12 – Pittsburgh 5, Miami 4
Seth Beer hit a 2-run home run in the 1st inning to give the Pirates the early lead. Christian Vazquez broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the 6th with a run-scoring sacrifice fly.
WP: T. Cosgrove (1-2)
LP: A. Mills (0-1)
SV: W. Charles (9)
Record: 24-20

Game #45 – May 13 – Miami 8, Pittsburgh 3
The Marlins took the rubber match behind the pitching of Sam Hentges. Former Pirate Kevin Attebury blasted a 3-run home run in the 1st inning to give the Marlins the lead.
WP: S. Hentges (3-4)
LP: M. Clevinger (4-3)
Record: 24-21

TRANSACTION: Optioned Griffin Conine to AAA Indianapolis and recalled Alec Burleson.

[TribeTown]

Game #46 – May 14 – St. Louis 2, Pittsburgh 1
Tommy Edman broke a 1-1 tie, belting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning. The first place Cardinals improved to 30-14.
WP: J. Romano (1-1)
LP: T. Walker (0-4)
Record: 24-22

Game #47 – May 15 – St. Louis 7, Pittsburgh 3
Sandy Alcantara didn't have it as the Cardinals scored 5 times in the 1st inning to take a big lead.
WP: M. Liberatore (2-0)
LP: S. Alcantara (5-2)
SV: J. Sborz (1)
Record: 24-23

Game #48 – May 16 – St. Louis 16, Pittsburgh 1
The Cardinals handed the Pirates their worst loss of the season while completing the sweep and opening a 10 ½ game lead in the Central. Pittsburgh managed only 6 hits and committed 3 errors.
WP: L. Giolito (4-2)
LP: D. Hall (4-3)
Record: 24-24

May 17 – Off Day

Game #49 – May 18 – San Francisco 3, Pittsburgh 2
Julio Urias was the difference in the game as he outpitched Roansy Contreras. Lamont Wade broke a 1-1 tie in the 6th inning with a 2-run home run.
WP: J. Urias (8-2)
LP: R. Contreras (4-3)
SV: G. Santos (13)
Record: 24-25

Game #50 – May 19 – San Francisco 9, Pittsburgh 1
The Giants scored 3 times in the 1st to take the lead. The Pirates managed just 6 hits as they lost their 6th straight game.
WP: J. Bergin (2-2)
LP: M. Clevinger (4-4)
Record: 24-26

Game #51 – May 20 – Pittsburgh 5, San Francisco 4
The Pirates snapped their losing streak and salvaged the final game of the series. The Pirates scored 4 times in the 4th to take a 5-0 lead, highlighted by Cole Cumming's 2-run single.
WP: Q. Priester (4-3)
LP: T. Weber (0-1)
SV: W. Charles (10)
Record: 25-26

[TribeTown]

Game #52 – May 21 – Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 5
Masayoshi Oshima hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 as the Pirates topped the Phillies. Oshima's 3-run shot in the 7th (his 12th) gave Pittsburgh a 6-3 lead.
WP: J. Slaten (1-2)
LP: A. Nola (1-8)
SV: W. Charles (11)
Record: 26-26

Game #53 – May 22 – Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 1
D. L. Hall pitched 8 shutout innings before tiring in the 9th and allowing a run to score. Heston Kjerstad and Alec Burleson homered for the Buccos.
WP: D. Hall (5-3)
LP: M. Abel (5-3)
Record: 27-26

TRANSACTION: Placed Endy Rodriguez on the 10-day Injured List (blurred vision after being hit by a pitch). Recalled Israel Pineda from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #54 – May 23 – Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 1
The Pirates completed the sweep in Philadelphia behind a strong performance by Roansy Contreras, who allowed just 2 hits over 7 shutout innings, while striking out 7.
WP: R. Contreras (5-3)
LP: Z. Elfin (4-4)
Record: 28-26

Game #55 – May 24 – Pittsburgh 9, Chicago 0
Mike Clevinger was dominant, pitching 5 shutout innings before leaving the game with an injury. Masayoshi Oshima drove in 3 runs and hit his 13th home run before also leaving the game after feeling some pain after throwing the ball.
WP: M. Clevinger (5-4)
LP: Y. Kikuchi (3-5)
Record: 29-26

TRANSACTION: Placed Mike Clevinger in the 15-day Injured List with a sore shoulder. Clevinger is expected to miss 6 weeks. Justin Slaten will take Clevinger's spot in the rotation. Recalled J. T. Hintzen from AAA Indianapolis.

Placed Masayoshi Oshima on the 19-day Injured List (sore shoulder). Oshima was listed as day-to-day, but could miss up to a week, so it made sense to put him on the IL. Recalled Eddys Leonard from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #56 – May 25 – Chicago 12, Pittsburgh 11
The Cubs snapped Pittsburgh's 5-game winning streak in a wild game at PNC Park. Quinn Priester was ineffective as Chicago built an 11-4 lead, but the Pirates scored twice in the 6th and 5 times in the 7th on a 2-run home run by Heston Kjerstad (#8) and a 3-run shot by Gabriel Arias (#6), making it a 12-11 game. Pittsburgh could not score again.
WP: A. Alzolay (2-3)
LP: Q. Priester (4-4)
SV: T. Thomas (4)
Record: 29-27

Game #57 – May 26 – Pittsburgh 7, Chicago 3
Heliot Ramos finally hit, going 3-4 with a home run, to lead the Pirates to a series-winning win. Seth Beer's 3-run home run in the 3rd inning (#8) was the biggest hit of the game.
WP: S. Alcantara (6-2)
LP: J. Steele (0-3)
Record: 30-27

[TribeTown]

Game #58 – May 27 – Pittsburgh 4, LA Dodgers 0
D. L. Hall pitched a gem, allowing no runs on 3 hits over 6.1 innings. Cole Cummings hit his 8th home run in the 7th inning, a 2-run shot, to give the Pirates a 4-0 lead.
WP: D. Hall (6-3)
LP: T. Antone (1-3)
Record: 31-27

Game #59 – May 28 – Pittsburgh 5, LA Dodgers 3
Dustin Mays pitched 7 shutout innings for the Dodgers, but the Pirates scored 5 times in the 8th to take the lead. Israel Pineda drew a walk to lead off the inning, then Oswald Peraza was hit by a pitch. Brice Turang singled to make it a 3-1 game. Cole Cummings singled to bring home another run, and Seth Beer singled to tie the game. After Oneil Cruz was retired, Heston Kjerstad tripled to right-center to make the score 5-3.
WP: T. Walker (1-4)
LP: A. Desk a (2-1)
SV: W. Charles (12)
Record 32-27

Game #60 – May 29 – LA Dodgers 11, Pittsburgh 5
The Dodgers salvaged the final game of the series, scoring 7 times in the 5th inning to break open the game after Brice Turang had belted a 3-run home run in the top of the inning to tie the game.
WP: T. Gonsolin (2-3)
LP: J. Slaten (1-3)
Record: 32-28

TRADE: The Pirates traded David Aldana, Jace Grady, D'Shawn Knowles, and Marco Fuentes to Philadelphia in exchange for Kyle Schwarber (with the Phillies picking up 100% of Schwarber's $20 million salary), Jesus Garza, and Jorge Rivera.

Schwarber gives the Pirates a power bat. Garza is a 19 year-old pitcher who, if he can improve his command and cut down his walks, has the potential to end up near the top of the major league rotation. Rivera is a 19 year-old outfielder who has good contact and power potential.

TRANSACTION: Optioned Heliot Ramos to AAA Indianapolis and placed Schwarber on the active roster.

May 30 – Off Day

Game #61 – May 31 – Pittsburgh 6, Atlanta 0
Quinn Priester was impressive, pitching 6 shutout innings. Joshua Mears was the offensive hero, going 3-4. His 2-run home run in the top of the 1st inning gave the Pirates a 4-0 lead.
WP: Q. Priester (5-4)
LP: P. Corbin (4-3)
Record: 33-28

TRANSACTION: Placed Cole Cummings on the 10-day Injured List with knee tendinitis. Recalled Joey Weimer from AAA Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

MAY REVIEW

After entering the month optimistically, the Pirates spent most of May spinning their wheels. A 6-game losing streak at mid-month dropped the Buccos below .500, although they once again ended the month on a high note. St. Louis is playing great baseball, and the Pirates end the month 8 games behind the division leaders. The Pirates are plating 3 games behind their Pythagorean record, and the Cardinals are 4 games above – which leaves some hope that the 8 game gap is not insurmountable. Still, it will be a tall order.

The pitching staff overall has been dominant. The staff led the NL in virtually every category at mid-month, and even after the 6 game losing streak still led in most. Both the starting rotation and the bullpen have been stellar. The loss of Mike Clevinger until after the All Star break is a big blow, but Justin Slaten will get his chance to start. If he falters in that role, the Buccos have 2 starters at Indianapolis who have earned a look.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The Cardinals have the best record in baseball at 41-19. The Pirates (33-29) trail by 9 games in the Central division.

The Washington Nationals (38-24) have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far and lead the NL East by ½ over the Braves. Arizona and San Diego (both 31-30) are tied in the West.

In the American League, Baltimore and New York are tied atop the East (both 33-29), with Boston 1 game back. The Tigers (37-25) lead the Central, with Kansas City and Minnesota both 1 ½ games back. Seattle (35-27) leads the West by 4 game.

• May 2 – Joey Gallo of the Braves hit career home run #300 as Atlanta beat Chicago 6-1.
  
• May 4 – The Braves signed free agent reliever Kendall Graveman to a $7,200,000 contract.
  
• May 8 – Corey Seager of the Rangers will miss 5 weeks with a strained oblique.
  
• May 9 – Anthony Rendon of the Angels will miss the rest of the season after breaking his elbow.
  
• May 12 – Max Scherzer of the Giants will miss the next 11 months with a torn labrum.
  
• May 14 – Coby Mayo of the Orioles had 5 hits in 5 at bats in a 12-5 win over the Red Sox.
  
• May 16 – Adalberto Mondesi went 5-5 for the Cardinals in their 16-1 win over the Pirates. Center Fielder Jake Meyers of the Astros also had 5 hits in a 12-5 victory over Oakland.
  
• May 22 – Cardinals ace Lucas Giolito allowed just 1 hit and struck out 15 over 6.1 innings as St. Louis beat the Marlins.
  
• May 23 – Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will miss the next 8 weeks with a herniated disc.
  
• May 24 – Cardinals 2B Tommy Edman will miss 6-7 weeks with a herniated disc. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton will miss a month, also with a herniated disc.
  
• May 24 – Luis Urias of the Brewers went 5-5 in a loss to the Cardinals.
  
• May 24 – Closer Edwin Diaz, now with Baltimore, notched his 300th career save.
  
• May 25 – Toronto catcher Gabriel Moreno went 5-5 as the Blue Jays shut out the Tigers 5-0.
  
• May 25 – Phillies star Bryce Harper hit his 400th career home run as Philadelphia beat Charlotte 12-5.
  
• May 26 – The Braves signed free agent reliever Keone Kyla to a $4,880,000 deal.
  
• May 26 – Orioles 22B Jonathan School went 5-5 in Baltimore's 12-5 win over Houston.
  
• May 29 – Mets pitcher Nick Martinez pitched a no hitter as New York beat Arizona 1-0.
  
• May 30 – The Cardinals traded minor league 22B Ramon Mendoza to Tampa Bay in exchange for reliever Anthony DeScafani.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• May 5 – Indianapolis infielder/outfielder D'Shawn Knowles was named IL Player of the Week, batting .417 (10-24) with 4 home runs and 10 runs batted in.
  
• May 22 – Greensboro's Brady House went 3-5 with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs as the Grasshoppers beat Brooklyn 10-3.
  
• May 26 – Brady House won SAL Player of the Week, batting .478 (11-23) with 7 home runs and 10 RBIs.

[TribeTown]

Game #62 – June 1 – Atlanta 8, Pittsburgh 7
Joshua Mears went 3-4 and drove in 2 runs and Gabriel Arias hit a 3-r3-run home run, but it was not enough as the Braves prevailed at Truist Park. Atlanta scored twice in the bottom of the 7th to take an 8-7 lead.
WP: K. Giles (2-0)
LP: T. Cosgrove (1-3)
SV: A. Kittredge (14)
Record: 33-29

Game #63 – June 2 – Pittsburgh 5, Atlanta 2
Kyle Schwarber's 3-run home run in the top of the 1st inning gave Pittsburgh the early lead, and they held on for the win.
WP: D. Hall (7-3)
LP: I. Anderson (6-2)
SV: W. Charles (13)
Record: 34-29

Game #64 – June 3 – Pittsburgh 3, Arizona 1
Gabriel Arias drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 6th inning to break a 1-1 deadlock.
WP: R. Contreras (6-3)
LP: J. Bukauskas (4-7)
SV: W. Charles (14)
Record: 35-29

TRANSACTION: Activate Yerry De Los Santos from injury rehab and option to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #65 – June 4 – Pittsburgh 3, Arizona 1
Justin Slaten (5.1 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 6 K, 1 BB) stifled Arizona's offense. Joshua Mears's bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 5th inning broke a 1-1 tie.
WP: J. Slaten (2-3)
LP: T. Holton (6-3)
SV: P. Fairbanks (1)
Record: 36-29

TRANSACTION: Activated Masayoshi Oshima from the Injured List. Optioned Eddys Leonard to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #66 – June 5 – Arizona 5, Pittsburgh 3
The Diamondbacks salvaged the final game of the series behind the pitching of Blake Walston. Oswald Peraza's 2-run home run in the 8th drew the Pirates closer, but Pittsburgh could not complete the comeback.
WP: B. Walston (5-1)
LP: Q. Priester (5-5)
SV: L. Frias (14)
Record: 36-30

[TribeTown]

Game #67 – June 6 – San Diego 7, Pittsburgh 0
Blake Snell was outstanding (7.2 IP, 0R, 3 H) as the Padres won their 9th game in a row.
WP: B. Snell (9-3)
LP: S. Alcantara (6-3)
Record: 36-31

Game #68 – June 7 – San Diego 9, Pittsburgh 5
The Padres used a 4-run 5th inning to propel themselves to their 10th win a row. D. L. Hall had his worst start of the year, lasting 4 innings and allowing 6 runs.
WP: L. Severino (2-2)
LP: D. Hall (7-4)
Record: 36-32

TRANSACTION: Assigned Endy Rodriguez to AAA Indianapolis on a rehab assignment.

Game #69 – June 8 – San Diego 7, Pittsburgh 1
The Padres completed the sweep behind an outstanding pitching performance by Zac Gallen.
WP: Z. Gallen (6-5)
LP: R. Contreras (6-4)
Record: 36-33

TRANSACTION: Activated Cole Cummings from the Injured List. Optioned Joey Weimer to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #70 – June 9 – Pittsburgh 5, Cincinnati 1
The Pirates snapped their 4-game losing streak with a solid win at PNC Park. Justin Slaten stifled the Reds offense, pitching 8 innings and allowing just 1 run on 4 hits.
WP: J. Slaten (3-3)
LP: N. Lodolo (2-7)
Record: 37-33

Game #71 – June 10 – Cincinnati 2, Pittsburgh 0
Joe Boyle was masterful and Elly De La Cruz hit a 2-run single in the 5th inning to give the Reds the win.
WP: J. Boyle (4-3)
LP: Q. Priester (5-6)
SVv: K. Williams (10)
Record: 37-34

Game #72 – June 11 – Cincinnati 4, Pittsburgh 2
Matheu Nelson hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 9th inning to give the Reds the win.
WP: K. Williams (3-3)
LP: T. Walker (1-5)
Record: 37-35

June 12 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

Game #73 – June 13 – Washington 9, Pittsburgh 7
Victor Robles hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 4th innimg to put Washington ahead 5-2. Cole Cummings hit 2 home runs for the Pirates, but it was not enough to overcome the Nationals, who improved to 46-27 with the win.
WP: C. Henry (6-1)
LP: D. Hall (7-5)
SV: M. Thompson (24)
Record: 37-36

TRANSACTION: Placed Taijuan Walker on the 15-day Injured List with a strained back. Recalled Yerry De Los Santos from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #74 – June 14 – Washington 19, Pittsburgh 3
The Nationals routed the Pirates. Luis Garcia led the way, going 4-5 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs.
WP: A. Ramirez (4-6)
LP: J. Slaten (3-4)
Record: 37-37

Game #75 – June 15 – Washington 7, Pittsburgh 3
The Nationals sent Pittsburgh to their 5th loss in a row and 9th in their last 10 games. The only highlight for the Pirates was Oneil Cruz snapping his slump with a 2-run home run in the 6th inning.
WP: C. Cavali (9-2)
LP: R. Contreras (6-5)
Record: 37-38

Game #76 – June 16 – Pittsburgh 8, NY Mets 7 (12 innings)
It wasn't easy, but the Pirates snapped their losing streak with an exciting win at PNC Park. Pete Alonso hit a solo home run with 2 oits in the 9th inning to tie the game at 7. Seth Beer's clutch double in the bottom of the 12th gave Pittsburgh a walk-off win.
WP: L. Gil (1-1)
LP: J. Familia (1-1)
Record: 38-38

TRANSACTION: Placed Joshua Mears on tu e 10-day Injured List (ankle). Recalled Joey Weimer from AAA Indianapolis. To get fresh arms for the bullpen, optioned Yerry De Los Santos and Quinn Priester to AAA Indianapolis and recalled Ken Waldichuk from AAA Indianapolis and purchased the contract of Andrew Walters from AA Altoona. Designated Heliot Ramos for assignment and placed on waivers.

Game #77 – June 17 – Pittsburgh 3, NY Mets 2
Sandy Alcantara took a no-hitter into the 7th and Brice Turang and Kevin Schwarber both hit solo home runs to lift the Pirates to their 2nd straight win.
WP: S. Alcantara (7-3)
LP: C. Martinez (5-5)
SV: W. Charles (15)
Record: 39-38

Game #78 – June 18 – NY Mets 6, Pittsburgh 3
The Mets salvaged the final game of the series as D. L. Hall was rocked for the 3rd straight start. Cole Cummings hit another home run for the Pirates (#13)
WP: L. Moreno (5-7)
LP: D. Hall (7-6)
SV: O. Mateo (22)
Record: 39-39

TRANSACTION: Activated Endy Rodriguez from rehab assignment and optioned Israel Pineda to AAA Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

Game #79 – June 19 – Colorado 12, Pittsburgh 5
The Rockies took control of the game with 3 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, and 5 in the 4th in him
WP: A. Senzatela (5-8)
LP: K. Waldichuk (0-1)
Record: 39-40

Game #80 – June 20 – Colorado 14, Pittsburgh 7
The Pirates lost big for the 2nd straight day, blowing a 6-1 lead as the Rockies scored 3 times in the 5th and 5 times in the 7th.
WP: A. Gomber (2-1)
LP: A. Walters (0-1)
Record: 39-41

Game #81 – June 21 – Pittsburgh 4, Colorado 3
The Pirates salvaged the final game of the series when Cole Cummings hit a Connor Prielipp change up for a solo home run in the top of the 8th inning.
WP: L. Head (3-0)
LP: C. Prielipp (2-4)
SV: W. Charles (16)
Record: 40-42

TRANSACTION: Optioned Andrew Walters to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled Quinn Priester.

Game #82 – June 22 – Pittsburgh 6, Milwaukee 0
Quinn Priester was outstanding, pitching 6 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 9. The Pirates scored 4 times in the 1st on a 2-run by Kyle Schwarber, and RBI groundout by Seth Beer, and Endy Rodriguez's 6th home run.
WP: Q. Priester (6-6)
LP: A. Ashby (2-9)
Record: 41-42

TRANSACTION: Designated Alec Burleson for assignment and placed on waivers. Optioned J. T. Hintzen to AAA Indianapolis. Purchased the contracts of Aaron Zavala and Jace Jung from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #83 – June 23 – Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 4
Kyle Schwarber's solo shot in the bottom of the 8th inning (his 7th as a Pirate) tied the game at 4, but Ramon Laureano's sacrifice fly with 1 out in the 9th lifted the Brewers to the win.
WP: C. Palmquist (1-0)
LP: N. Mears (0-2)
SV: A. Perdomo (15)
Record: 41-43

Game #84 – June 24 – Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 1
Tyler Glasnow shut down the Pirates as the Brewers took 2 of 3 at PNC Park.
WP: T. Glasgow (7-3)
LP: J. Slaten (3-5)
SV: A. Perdomo (16)
Record: 41-44

TRANSACTION: Placed Oswald Peraza on the 10-day Injured List (scratched cornea). Purchased the contract of Hudson Head from AAA Indianapolis.

June 25 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

Game #85 – June 26 – Pittsburgh 4, Charlotte 2
Ken Waldichuk pitched well (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 7 K, 0 BB) and Aaron Zavala's RBI single in the bottom of the 7th inning put Pittsburgh ahead, 3-2.
WP: L. Gil (2-1)
LO: E. Bencomo (3-3)
SV: W. Charles (17)
Record: 42-43

Game #86 – June 27 – Pittsburgh 10, Charlotte 6
Heston Kjerstad's bases-clearing double gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning, and Masayoshi Oshima's 3-run home run in the 2nd extended it. Seth Beer added a 2-run home run, his 11th, in the 8th.
WP: R. Contreras (7-5)
LP: D. Bundy (0-3)
SV: L. Head (1)
Record: 42-43

TRANSACTIONS: Optioned Hudson Head and Ken Waldichuk to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Joshua Mears and Taijuan Walker from the Injured List and placed on the active roster.

Game #87 – June 28 – Charlotte 11, Pittsburgh 4
The Brown Bears battered Pirates pitching for 11 runs on 11 hits as Charlotte salvaged the final game of the series.
WP: J. deGrom (7-6)
LP: Q. Priester (6-7)
Record: 43-44

Game #88 – June 29 – Pittsburgh 6, Miami 3
Sandy Alcantara pitched 8.1 strong innings as the Pirates pulled even with a win in Miami. Joshua Mears had the big hit of the game, a 6th inning grand slam.
WP: S. Alcantara (8-3)
LP: M. Albright (4-7)
SV: N. Mears (2)
Record: 44-44

Game #89 – June 30 – Pittsburgh 3, Miami 1
D. L. Hall allowed 1 unearned run over 6 innings, but the Pirates trailed 1-0 until Heston Kjerstad socked a 2-run triple off of Joe Barlow in the top of the 9th.
WP: T. Cosgrove (2-3)
LP: J. Barlow (2-4)
SV: W. Charles (18)
Record: 45-44

TRANSACTION: Send Mike Clevinger to AAA Indianapolis on a rehab assignment.

[TribeTown]

JUNE 2025 IN REVIEW

The Pirates continue to spin their wheels in this frustrating season. They can't seem to get over the hump and string together series wins to make in St. Louis's lead. The Buccos still remain players in the wild card chase, but the sense is settling in Pittsburgh that this is about as good as this team is. The offensive production remains middle of the pack, but after leading the league in most categories, the pitching staff has uncharacteristically struggled over the past 6 weeks. It now ranks middle of the pack in most categories, too. A middle of the pack offense and a middle of the pack pitching staff equals a middle of the pack team.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The Cardinals (58-30) have the best record in baseball and continue to run away with the NL Central. The Nationals have a 1 1/2 game lead in the East over the Mets and the Padres lead Arizona by 5 games in the west. Detroit (53-37) has the best record in the American League. They lead the Central by 2 games over the White Sox in 2 1/2 over the Twins. The Yankees have a 1 game lead over the Red Sox in the East and the Mariners have a 6 game lead with the Angels and Ocelots in the West.

• June 9 – Former Pirate and current Angel Michael Toglia hit for the cycle in an 8-3 loss to the Yankees
  
• June 13 – Former Pirate and current Mark Canha hit for the cycle as the Cubs beat Milwaukee 10-3.
  
• June 15 – Rays pitcher Luis Patino will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum.
  
• June 21 – The Giants signed free agent Jose Castillo to a $8,800,000 contract.
  
• June 26 – Angels starter Sixto Sanchez will miss the rest of the season with a torn rotator cuff.
  
• June 27 – the Tigers traded Niko Goodrum and minor leaguer Juan Guerrero to the Cubs, receiving Yusei Kikuchi and minor leaguer Colby Holcombe in return.
  
• June 29 – The Rays traded reliever Diego Castillo to St Louis in exchange for minor Leaguer Coleman Brigman.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• June 16 – Aaron Zavala was the best performer in the Eastern League going 10-17 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs
  
• June 18 – Altoona third baseman Brady House hit three home runs and a 9-8 win over the Hartford Yard Goats.
  
• June 30 – Bradenton 3B Xavier Casserilla, the 2024 2nd round draft choice, was the FSL player of the week after going 10-24 with three home and 6 RBIs.

[TribeTown]

Game # 90 – July 1– Pittsburgh 6, Miami 4
The Pirates completed the sweep behind the hitting of Cole Cummings, who mashed 2 home runs and drove in 4. Pittsburgh trailed 3-2 in the 5th when Cummings hit a 2-run shot off of San Hentges to give the Buccos the lead.
WP: T. Walker (2-5)
LP: S. Hentges (7-9)
SV: W. Charles (19)
Record: 46-44

Game #91 – July 2 – St. Louis 7, Pittsburgh 3
The Pirates opened an important series at home with a loss. Javy Baez hit a 2-run run double off Pete Fairbanks in the top of 6th to put the Cardinals in front.
WP: C. Smith (11-1)
LP: R. Contreras (7-6)
SV: J. Sborz (4)
Record: 46-45

Game #92 –July 3– Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 4 (11 innings)
Kyle Schwarbsr hit a 33-run home run in the bottom of the 1st inning. The Cardinals tied the game in the 5th inning, and the game remained that way until Oneil Cruz hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the 11th.
WP: L. Gil (3-1)
LP: L. Gillespie (3-4)
Record: 47-45

Game #93 – July 4 – St. Louis 8, Pittsburgh 7
The Cardinals scored 5 times in the 1st off Sandy Alcantara and the Pirates couldn't complete the comeback. Masayoshi Oshima hit his 19th home run in the 6th and Oswald Peraza singled home 2 more runs in the 8th (his 3rd hit of the game), but the Cardinals held on for the win. They now lead the NL Central by 13 games.
WP: L. Giolito (7-4)
LP: S. Alcantara (8-4)
SV: J. Romano (20)
Record 47-46

TRANSACTION: Optioned Brice Turang and Joey Weimer to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Oswald Peraza from the Injured List. Recalled Yerry De Los Santos from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #94 – July 5 – San Francisco 3, Pittsburgh 0
Jesse Bergin pitched 5.2 shutout innings as the Pirates could get nothing going offensively.
WP: J. Bergi. (4-8)
LP: D. Hl (7-7)
SV: G. Santos (23)
Record: 47-47

Game #95 – July 6 – San Francisco 9, Pittsburgh 1
Marco Luciano at a 2-run triple off Taiwan Walker in the bottom of the 1st which put the Giants in front 2-0. Edmundo Sosa went 3 for 3 with a home run. Once again, the Pirates failed to produce anything offensively.
WP: J. Urias (12-5)
LP: T. Walker (2-6)
Record: 47-48

Game #96 – July 7 – San Francisco 3, Pittsburgh 0.
Ty Weber gave up just 2 hits over 5 innings as the Giants swept the Pirates in a series where Pittsburgh scored just 1 run. Pittsburgh managed just two hits in the game.
WP: T. Weber (1-4)
LP: R. Contreras (7-7)
SV: G. Santos (24)
Record: 47-49

[TribeTown]

ALL STAR BREAK

The Pirates limped into the All Star break and decided to shake things up.

TRANSACTION: July 6 – The Pirates signed International Free Agentbstarting pitcher Nelson Tobar. Tobar, a native of Venezuela, is called "tenatious on the mound" and has a ceiling of a #1 starter. (Potential 55 stuff, 70 movement, 75 control, and 70 overall potential.)

TRADE: July 8 – The rebuilding Cubs had Shane Bieber on the block, so the Pirates traded Alec Burleson, Taijuan Walker, and Seth Beer to Chicago for Bieber (and his $20,800,000 salary; he is signed through 2031), OF Brennan Davis, and P Junior Santos. Santos was sent to Indianapolis and Brennan (who has shoulder inflammation) went to the IL. In addition to placing Bieber on the active roster, the Pirates activated Mike Clevinger from the Injured List. Optioned Quinn Priester, Aaron Zavala and Joshua Mears to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled Griffin Conine, and Jace Jung from AAA Indianapolis. Purchased the contract of Andrew McCutchen from AAA Indianapolis. Designated Joey Weimer for assignment and placed on waivers.

Losing Beer is a big loss as he has been one of Pittsburgh's most consistent power hitters over the past 1 ½ seasons. But Davis should replace Beer's power when healthy and had over 100 RBIs each of the last few seasons. He also has great speed and provides above average outfield defense at the corners (and can play center in a pinch).

ALL STAR GAME

Sandy Alcantara and the just traded Seth Beer were named to the NL roster. The AL won the midsummer classic 5-4.

Reliever Andrew Walters (AAA), catcher Jesus Garza (Rookie League), and 2B Jace Jung (AAA) were selected to play in the All Star Prospects game.

In addition, Maikol Escotto was named MVP as the Northeast All Stars beat the Southwest All Stars 4-3.

DRAFT

Round 1, 21st overall — 3B Sebastian Norman. Norman is a 6'4" tall, 215 pound 3B with superior vision at the plate and projects to hit for high contact. He also has high above average power ceiling is a good threat to steal a base. (75 potential contact, 60 potential home run power, 60 potential overall.

Round 2, 62nd overall – 1B Cooper Holbrook. The first baseman from Vanderbilt has plus power potential and excellent glove. He also shows good pitch recognition. (50 potential contact, 65 potential home run power, 65 overall potential.)

Round 3, 94th overall – SP Boston Kellner. Called fearless and durable, the University of Louisville product is expected to develop into a mid-rotation pitcher. However, he has indicated that it will be difficult to sign him to a contract. (45 potential stuff, 50 potential control, 80 potential overall.)

Round 4, 124th overall – C Josh Springer. Springer is a clubhouse leader. He is an above average contact hitter and has a good eye to draw walk. He has not put his power together yet, but once he does he can be expected to hit an average number of home runs. He also indicated that he will not be easy to sign. (55 potential contact, 50 potential the home run power, 60 potential eye, 60 potential overall.)

Round 5, 156th overall – 1B Walker Polk. The Baylor University graduate has raw above average power and is projected to provide well above average defense. He demonstrates good plate discipline and should be a solid everyday player once he develops.

Round 6 – 1B McKay Whitaker
Round 7 – SP Andrew Healy
Round 8 – LF David Wiley
Round 9 – SP Zack Root
Round 10 – SP Jack Anker

[TribeTown]

Game #97 – July 12 – Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2
Shane Bieber pitched a good game in his Pittsburgh debut, but it was not enough as the Phillies won a close game. Rafael Marchan hit a 2-run single in the top of the 4th to make it 3-0 Philadelphia. Cole Cummings hit a run-scoring double in the 6th, and Kyle Schwarber singled him home to make it 3-2, that was as much as the Pirates could manage against Cristian Hernandez and the Phillies bullpen.
WP: C. Hernandez (1-0)
LP: S. Bieber (0-1)
SV: B. Sullivan (15)
Record: 47-50

Game #98 – July 13 – Pittsburgh 12, Philadelphia 2
The Pirates flattened the Phillies behind a strong game by Mike Clevinger. Griffin Conine stroked his 2nd double of the season in the 1st inning, which scored 2 runs and put the Pirates on top 3-0. Endy Rodriguez hit a 2-run triple later in the inning as the Pirates scored 7 times to take a commanding lead.
WP: M. Clevinger (6-4)
LP: A. Nola (6-10)
Record: 48-50

Game #99 – July 14 – Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 3
Philadelphia starter Frank Gonzalez pitched well as the Phillies took 2 out of 3 from the Pirates. Pinch hitter Justin Williams stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the 9th inning to put the Phillies on top 4-3. The outcome overshadowed Jace Jung, who hit his 1st major league home run, a 2-run shot, in the 6th.
WP: M. Abel (9-7)
LP: N. Mears (0-3)
SV: B. Sullivan (16)
Record: 48-51

Game #100 – July 15 – Chicago 4, Pittsburgh 0
Walton Boutillier belted 2 home runs and drove in 3 and Carlos Rodon and 3 relievers shut out the Pirates on 3 hits.
WP: C. Rodon (3-6)
LP: S. Alcantara (8-5)
Record: 48-52

July 16 – Rain Out

Game #101 – July 17 (game #1) – Chicago 6, Pittsburgh 3
Justin Steele pitched 6 shutout innings of 3-hit ball as the Cubs took the 1st game of the doubleheader. Endy Rodriguez hit his 7th home run of the season, a 2-run shot in the 9th, to make the game a little closer than it actually was.
WP: J. Steele (5-5)
LP: R. Contreras (7-8)
Record: 48-53

Game #102 – July 18 (game #2) – Chicago 6, Pittsburgh 3 (12 innings)
The season hit rock bottom as the Pirates were swept by the last place (36-64) Cubs. The game was tied at 1 in the 11th inning when the Pirates scored three times on Griffin Conan's home run. The Cubs came back to tie it the bottom of the inning and Niko Goodrum electrified the home crowd in the bottom of the 12th when he took Jerry De Los Santos deep for a 2-run, walk off home run.
WP: C. Stratton (1-0)
LP: Y. De Los Santos (0-1)
Record: 48-54

TRADES & TRANSACTIONS:

1. The Pirates completed a 3-team trade, granting Christian Vazquez's request by trading him to the Padres. The Padres traded Jase Bowen to Colorado. The Pirates sent Jacob Amaya and Joshua Mears to the Rockies and received Pete Crow-Armstrong in return.

2. Traded Mike Clevinger, Pete Fairbanks, Livan Soto, and Diego Chaquillo to the LA Angels in exchange for Steven Kwan, Julio Rosales, Ernesto Rivera, and Austin Troesser.

3. Placed Crow Armstrong and Steven Kwan on the active roster. Optioned Luis Ortiz and Jace Jung to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled C Israel Pineda and purchased the contract of Carter Smith from AAA Indianapolis.

Smith, a 2023 14th round draft pick, has gone 9-4 with a 4.86 ERA at Indianapolis after going 13-8 with a 4.13 ERA last year. Per the accounting report, he is unhittable when he is on, but is susceptible to the long ball and wandering command. He has the tools to develop into a mid-rotation starter. The front office feels he has earned his chance, with the added bonus that he is the first player drafted by this regime to make it to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates reacquired Kwan, who played 101 games with the Buccos in 2023 and was ironically traded for So to after tuat season, for his speed and defense. His leadership qualities are a bonus. Crow- Armstrong also is a speedy player who plays elite center field defense. The front office decided the lineup was too slow and played mediocre defense. These moves should help to address those concerns.

Rosales and Rivera are both interesting outfield prospects, with Rivera having the higher ceiling of the two. Troesser, a 2024 2nd round draft pick, is a potential closeout artist.

[TribeTown]

Game #103 – July 18 – Pittsburgh 3, LA Dodgers 1
The Pirates got a magnificent effort from pitcher Carter Smith in his major league debut. Smith kept Dodgers hitters in check, pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 5. Pittsburgh took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 8th inning when, after Oswald Peraza tied the game with an RBI single, Masayoshi Oshima hit a clutch 2-run home run to bring Pirates fans to their feet.
WP: J. Santos (1-0)
LP: W. Buehler (9-8)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (1)
Record: 49-54

Game #104 – July 19 – LA Dodgers 4, Pittsburgh 0
Dustin May put on a pitching clinic, tossing 7 innings of 2-hit ball while walking 5 and striking out 3. Devon Mann's double in the top of the 6th inning put the Dodgers ahead 1-0. It was all they needed to even the series.
WP: D. May (6-5)
LP: D. Hall (7-8)
Record: 49-55

Game #105 – July 20 – Pittsburgh 4, LA Dodgers 3
Sandy Alcantara pitched well as the Pirates took the rubber match of the series. With the game tied in the bottom of the 7th inning, Stephen Kwan hit a sacrifice fly to put the Pirates in front 4-3.
WP: S. Alcantara (9-5)
LP: A. Vesia (3-5)
SV: W. Charles (20)
Record: 50-55

Game #106 – July 21 – Pittsburgh 6, Atlanta 5
The Pirates won a dramatic game at PNC Park. The Buccos were down to their last out in the bottom of the 9th inning when Steven Kwan turned a 1-0 fastball from Keone Kela into a 2-run single. The walk-off hit electrified the crowd of 20,757 and sent the Pirates home with a thrilling 6-5 win.
WP: Y. De Los Santos (1-1)
LP: A. Minter (5-1)
Record: 51-55

TRANSACTION: Optioned Heston Kjerstad to AAA Indianapolis and recalled Jace Jung.

Game #107 – July 22 – Pittsburgh 9, Atlanta 7
Masayoshi Oshima went 3-5 with a home run and 5 RBIs as the Pirates beat Atlanta. Oneil Cruz hit a 2-run double off of Ian Anderson in the bottom of the 3rd inning, which put the Pirates in front 3-2.
WP: S. Bieber (1-1)
LP: I. Anderson (8-8)
Record: 52-55

Game #108 – July 23 – Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 2
Braves starter Kyle Wright threw seven Innings of 3-hit ball, but the Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the 8th Inning on Masayoshi's Oshima's 2-run single to beat Atlanta 3-2 and complete the sweep.
WP: L. Gil (4-1)
LP: A. Minter (5-3)
SV: W. Charles (21)
Record: 53-55

July 24 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

Game #109 – July 25 – Pittsburgh 9, Arizona 3
Masayoshi Oshima, who is tied for 7th in the NL in home runs with 24, went 2-4 with 2 home runs and a walk, driving in 6 and scoring twice. The most important at bat for Pittsburgh came in the top of the 9th inning when Oneil Cruz stroked a 2-2 fastball to center field for a run-scoring single, which gave the Pirates a 4-3 lead. The Pirates went on to score 6 times in the 9th to put the game out of reach.
WP: N. Nears (1-3)
LP: L. Frias (4-6)
Record: 54-55

Game #110 – July 26 –Arizona 8, Pittsburgh 3
Carson Kelly hit 2 home runs and drove in 4 as the Diamondbacks took the 2nd game of this 3 game series. Kelly's 3-run home run off Sandy Alcantara in the bottom of the 4th gave Arizona a 6-2 lead.
WP: S. Poppen (1-4)
LP: S. Alcantara (9-6)
Record: 54-56

Game #111 – July 27 – Pittsburgh 4, Arizona 3
Endy Rodriguez went 3-4 and hit 2 home runs to leave the Pirates to a win in the rubber match of the series. Cole Cummings drilled a solo home run on the top of the 9th to put the Pirates ahead 3-2. The bad news is that Masayoshi Oshima left the game with what appears to be a serious injury.
WP: Y. De Los Santos (2-1)
LP: M. Keller (0-1)
SV: W. Charles (22)
Record: 55-56

Game #112 – July 28 – Pittsburgh 5, San Diego 3
Carter Smith pitched well in his 2nd Major League start and helped the Pirates win the opening game of a 3 set against the Padres at PNC Park. The game was tied 3-3 in the 6th inning when Steven Kwan hit a sacrifice fly to put the Pirates on top 4-3.
WP: J. Santos (2-0)
LP: J. Urias (3-1)
SV: N. Mears (3)
Record: 56-56

Game #113 – July 29 – San Diego 5, Pittsburgh 3 (14 innings)
Gabriel Arias singled to tie the game in the 8th inning, but Teoscar Hernandez stroked a 2-run single in the top of the 11th to give the Padres the win.
WP: R. Suarez (1-3)
LP: J. Slaten (3-6)
Record: 56-57

TRANSACTION: Placed Masayoshi Oshima on the 10-day Injured List with a fractured foot. Purchased the contract of Brady House from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #114 – July 30 – Pittsburgh 9, San Diego 4
Oneil Cruz led the Pirates, going 3-4 with a home run and 5 RBIs as the Buccos took 2 out of 3 from San Diego.
WP: D. Hall (8-8)
LP: Z. Gallen (9-9)
Record: 57-57

Game #115 – July 31 – Pittsburgh 10, Cincinnati 8 (14 innings)
The Pirates scored 3 times in the top of the 8th inning to tie the game at 8 and Pete Crow-Armstrong's clutch 2-run double in the top of the 14th put Pittsburgh in top 10-8. Steven Kwan went 5-7 with a home run. Cole Cummings drove in 4 runs.
WP: L. Gil (5-1)
LP: C. Phillips (5-5)
SV: W. Charles (23)
Record: 58-57

TRADES: The Pirates made 2 trades just before the deadline:

Traded OF Andrew Duncan and J. T. Hintzen to Baltimore in exchange for Edwin Diaz and minor league 3B Alfredo Prado, and $2,000,000. Prado is an 18 year-old prospect with considerable upside as a hitter.

Traded Griffin Conine to Toronto in exchange for Ron Marinaccio.

TRANSACTIONS: Designated Andrew McCutchen and Junior Santos for assignment and placed on waivers (Cutch was 0 for the season). Sent Brennan Davis to AAA Indianapolis on a rehab assignment.

[TribeTown]

JULY 2025 IN REVIEW

The Pirates finished the month on a positive note, and new acquisitions Steven Kwan and Pete Armstrong have both provided sparks. Jace Jung has given a boost to the offense. Mashayoshi Oshima was on a tear before his injury, and his loss is a huge blow.

The division is out of reach but the Pirates are in the middle of the Wild Card race. With less than 2 months to go the W d Card standings look like this:

WAS 66-50 –
ATL 65-51 –
CIN 60-56 –
PIT 58-58 2
COL 57-59 3

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

St. Louis continues to have the best record in baseball at 74-42. The next closest teams are the Padres, Mets, and Yankees all at 68-48. They lead tye Central by 14 games over Cincinnati.

The Mets lead the NL East by 2 games over Washington. The Padres lead the Rockies in the West by 11.

In the American League, the Yankees lead the Red Sox by 5 in the East, the Tigers have a 4 ½ game lead over the Twins in the Central, and the Astros have a 2 game lead over the Mariners in the West.

• July 1 – Nick Castellanos hit career home run #300 as the Phillies beat Washington 8-4.
  
• July 2 – Houston traded P Trevor May and a 3rd Round Draft Pick to Washington for minor league CF Luis Serrano.
  
• July 3 – Tampa Bay traded P Yonny Chirinos to St. Louis for minor league 2B Samil De La Rosa.
  
• July 4 – The Astros traded P Nick Anderson to Minnesota for minor league P Anthony Escobar.
  
• July 6 – The Red Sox acquired reliever Joe Kelly from the Phillies in exchange for a minor leaguer.
  
• July 7 – Orioles star 3B Coby Mayo will miss at least a month with a fractured foot.
  
• July 8 – Washington starting pitcher Cade Cavalli tore the flexor tendon in his elbow and will miss at least a year. Cavalli was 9-4 with a 3.70 ERA at the time of his injury.
  
• July 8 – The Braves acquired Corey Knebel from the Phillies in exchange for a minor leaguer.
  
• July 11 – The Mariners made a big move, sending 4 minor leaguers to Cleveland for James Karinchak. Also, the Padres traded 2 minor leaguers to San Francisco in exchange for SP Julio Urias.
  
• July 12 – The Giants continued to unload veterans and acquire prospects, sending Luke Vomit, minor league P McCade Brown, and a 2nd round draft pick to San Diego for Termarr Johnson.
  
• July 14 – Yankees pitcher Aneurys Zabala hurled a no-hitter as New York beat the Rays 1-0.
  
• July 17 – The Padres acquired RP Trevor Rosenthal from the Dodgers for a minor league pitcher.
  
• July 17 – Jose Raminrez socked his 300th career home run but KC beat Cleveland 7-4.
  
• July 21 – The Dodgers traded Chris Bassitt to the Rockies for a couple of minor leaguers.
  
• July 22 – Astros OF Yordan Alvarez will miss 5-6 weeks with a strained hamstring.
  
• July 25 – The Angels read ed P Trevor Bauer to the Yankees for minor leaguers Oswaldo Cabrera, Arturo Inzunza, and Caden Homniok.
  
• July 28 – The Red Sox traded Rafael Devers and a minor league outfielder to Cincinnati in exchange for Nick Lodolo.
  
• July 29 – The Angels traded P John Means to Arizona for SS Geraldo Perdomo. The Angels traded to minor leaguers to Toronto for C Alexander Kirk.
  
• July 29 – The Phillies traded Tanner Scott to the Padres in exchange for minor league SS Will Matuszak.
  
• July 29 – The Cardinal acquired P Adbert Alzolay and a minor league outfielder from the Cubs for minor league OF Joshua Baez.
  
• July 30 – Dodgers P Tejay Anyone's fractured his elbow and will miss the rest of the season. Also, Charlotte P Jake deGrom will miss 3 weeks with an elbow strain.
  
• July 30 – The Mets acquired 3B Andy Ibanez from the Rangers for 2 minor leaguers. The Tigers traded 4 minor leaguers to Milwaukee for Luis Urias.
  
• July 31 – Milwaukee traded Rowdy Tellez to the Twins for minor league SS Alejandro Morel. The Orioles traded OF Clint Frazier and a minor league OF to Charlotte for IB Brandon Drury.

DOWN ON THE FARM

July 7 – FCL SS Adrian Jimenez (2024 1st round draft pick) was player of the week after going 10-20 with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs.

[TribeTown]

Game #116 – August 1 – Cincinnati 10, Pittsburgh 7
The Pirates suffered a devastating loss at the Great American Ballpark. Trailing 7-1 after 7 innings, the Reds scored once in the 8th and 8 times in the 9th to win 10-7. The Reds victimized both of Pittsburgh's brand-new acquisitions, Ron Marinaccio and Edwin Diaz, in the 9th. Rafael Devers' walk-off grand slam gave the Reds a 2 game lead in the race for the final wild card spot.
WP: L. Weaver (4-0)
LP: E. Diaz (0-1)
Record: 58-58

Game #117 – August 2 – Pittsburgh 7, Cincinnati 3
Brice Turang went 4-5 and hit 2 home runs, and Kyle Schwarber's 3-run home run in the top of the 8th put the Pirates up 5-2.
WP: Y. De Los Santos (3-1)
LP: Y. Marte (1-2)
Record: 59-58

Game #118 – August 3 – Pittsburgh 8, Washington 1
Steven Kwan went 3-4, including his 2nd home run since joining the Pirates. Roansy Contreras allowed 1 run on 6 hits over 7 innings of work.
WP: R. Contreras (8-8)
LP: K. Adon (7-9)
Record: 60-58

Game #119 – August 4 – Washington 4, Pittsburgh 0
Seth Romero and 3 relievers combined to shut down the Pirates in 5 hits.
WP: S. Romeo (3-2)
LP: D. Hall (8-9)
SV: J. Guerrero (1)
Record: 60-59

Game #120 – August 5 – Washington 9, Pittsburgh 3
Juan Soto drove in 4 runs as the Nationals overcame a 3-1 deficit in the 6th inning to win the series.
WP: J. Eder (6-1)
LP: S. Alcantara (9-7)
Record: 60-60

August 6 – Off Day

Game #121 – August 7 – NY Mets 4, Pittsburgh 2
Spencer Turnbull was terrific, scattering 4 hits over 8 innings, as the Mets took the series opener. The Pirates scored twice in the 9th to make the score a little closer.
WP: S. Turnbull (7-11)
LP: S. Bieber (1-2)
SV: O. Mateo (31)
Record: 60-61

Game #122 – August 8 – Pittsburgh 1, NY Mets 0
Rookie Carter Smith pitched a strong game, hurling 6 shutout innings, as the Pirates eked out a win to even the series. It was Smith's 1st major league win. Cole Cummings (#19) hit a solo home run in the 2nd inning to put the Pirates on top. Nick Mears, Yerry De Los Santos, and Wandisson Charles closed it out for the Buccos.
WP: C. Smith (1-0)
LP: M. Allan (3-8)
SV: W. Charles (24)
Record: 61-61

Game #123 – August 9 – NY Mets 5, Pittsburgh 4
Pinch hitter Cal Mitchell singled home the go-ahead run, giving the Mets a dramatic walk-off win at Citi Field.
WP: J. Moran (6-1)
LP: E. Diaz (0-2)
Record: 61-62

[TribeTown]

Game #124 – August 10 – Pittsburgh 7, Colorado 3
Oneil Cruz hit a 2-run double to center in the 5th to put the Pirates up 4-3. Pittsburgh added 3 more runs in the 7th and Ron Marinaccio, Yerry De Los Santos, and Wandisson Charles pitched 3 shutout innings to secure the win.
WP: D. Hall (9-9)
LP: C. McMahon (1-2)
Record: 62-62

TRANSACTION: Placed Endy Rodriguez on the 60-day Injured List with a torn calf muscle. Purchased the contract of Carter Bins from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #125 – August 11 – Colorado 7, Pittsburgh 4
Colorado starting pitcher Jared Jones pitched his team to victory as the Rockies built a 7-1 lead before the Pirates scored 3 times in the 9th inning.
WP: J. Jones (6-4)
LP: S. Alcantara (9-8)
SV: H. Olivarez (28)
Record: 62-63

Game #126 – August 12 – Pittsburgh 1, Colorado 0 (12 innings)
The Pirates prevailed in a tense pitchers duel when Pineda hit a clutch run-scoring single off of Jhon Romero in the bottom of the 12th. Shane Bieber was magnificent, pitching 7.2 shutout Innings allowing 3 hits, striking out 9 and walking 1.
WP: J. Slaten (4-6)
LP: J. Romero (0-1)
Record: 63-63

Game #127 – August 13 – Milwaukee 4, Pittsburgh 0
Corbin Burnes mesmerized the Pirates, who managed just 2 hits in the game. The Pirates had runners on base in the top of the 8th but Kwan struck out to end the threat.
WP: C. Burnes (10-10)
LP: C. Smith (1-1)
Record: 63-64

Game #128 – August 14 – Pittsburgh 6, Milwaukee 5
Brady House broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the 3rd inning with a run scoring sacrifice fly to give Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead . Israel Pineda hit a 3-run home run later in the inning .
WP: R. Contreras (9-8)
LP: B. Woodruff (5-10)
SV: W. Charles (25)
Record: 64-64

Game #129 – August 15 – Pittsburgh 4, Milwaukee
1
D.L. Hall won his 10th game, allowing 1 unearned run on just 1 hit over six innings. Cruz socked a Grand Slam in the top of the 6th to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-0.
WP: D. Hall (10-9)
LP: T. Glasnow (10-7)
SV: E. Diaz (1)
Record: 65-64

Game #130 – August 16 – Charlotte 3, Pittsburgh 2 (11 innings)
Sandy Alcantara was outstanding, pitching 6 shutout innings. But the Brown Bears tied it in the 8th and Clint Frazier hit a run scoring double in the bottom of the 11th to give Charlotte a walk-off win.
WP: K. Bubic (6-2
LP: E. Diaz (0-3)
Record: 65-65

Game #131 – August 17 – Charlotte 6, Pittsburgh 5
Cooper Hummel's grand slam in the bottom of the 8th put Charlotte ahead 6-5.
WP: S. Doolittle (3-0)
LP: N. Nears (1-4)
SV: M. Rodriguez (10)
Record: 65-66

Game #132 – August 18 – Pittsburgh 4, Charlotte 1
Kyle Schwarber hit 2 home runs and drove in all four runs for the Pirates as Pittsburgh salvaged the final game of the series. Carter Smith pitched another outstanding game, allowing 1 run on 4 hits over 8 innings.
WP: C. Smith (2-1)
LP: J. del Basque (6-13)
SV: W. Charles (26)
Record: 66-66

August 19 – Off Day

TRANSACTION: Designated Louis Head for assignment placed on waivers. Recalled Brennan Davis from AAA Indianapolis.