Let's Go Bucs! A Pittsburgh Pirates Rebuild

[TribeTown]

Game #133 – August 20 – Pittsburgh 3, Miami 2 (16 innings)
The Pirates prevailed in a marathon game at PNC Park. Pittsburgh tied it when they scored twice in the bottom of the 6th to make it to 2-2, and Israel Pineda won it when he homered off Carlos Sanabria in the 16th.
WP: L. Gil (6-1)
LP: C. Sanabria (3-1)
Record: 67-66

Game #134 – August 21 – Pittsburgh 5, Miami 0
D. L. Hall was outstanding, allowing 3 hits over 6.2 shutout innings. Joy Weimer hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 3rd to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead. Oswald Peraza had a 2-run double in the 5th to make it 4-0 Pittsburgh.
WP: D. Hall (11-9)
LP: M. Albright (9-10)
Record: 68-66

Game #135 – August 22 – Pittsburgh 6, Miami 5
The Pirates completed the sweep despite a big game from Miami centerfielder Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds went 3-3 with 2 home runs, driving in 3. The Pirates grabbed the lead on Oneil Cruz's 2-run home run in the 4th. Jace Jung hit 2-run home run in the 5th, followed by Kyle Schwarber's solo shot to make it a 6-1 game.
WP: S. Alcantara (10-8
LP: J. Gray (1-9)
SV: E. Diaz (2)
Record: 69-66

Game #136 – August 23 – St. Louis 4, Pittsburgh 3
The Cardinals scored 3 times in the 5th inning to grab the lead. Joey Weimer hit two home runs for the Pirates, driving in three, but it was not enough as the Cardinals claimed the series opening win.
WP: K. Funkhouser (3-5)
LP: S. Bieber (1-3)
SV: J. Romano (34)
Record: 69-67

Game #137 – August 24 – Pittsburgh 3, St. Louis 2
Carter Smith had another fine outing as the Pirates evened the series. Pittsburgh took a 3-1 lead on Kyle Schwarber's 16th home run of the season in the top of the 8th.
WP: C. Smith (3-1)
LP: A. Alzolay (0-1)
SV: W. Charles (27)
Record: 70-67

Game #138 – August 25 – Pittsburgh 4, St. Louis 3
Roansy Contreras led the way as the Pirates took the rubber match of the series. Pete Crow-Armstrong's 2-run single in the top of the 3td gave Pittsburgh a 4-1 lead.
WP: R. Contreras (10-8)
LP: Y. Chirinos (3-4)
SV: W. Charles (28)
Record: 71-67

[TribeTown]

Game #139 – July 26 – San Francisco 2, Pittsburgh 1
The Giants prevailed in a tight pitching contest when Lamont Wade hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth off of Justin Slaten.
WP: N. Gudino (4-8)
LP: J. Slaten (4-7)
SV: J. Castillo (9)
Record: 71-68

Game #140 – July 27 – Pittsburgh 11, San Francisco 3
The Pirates offense erupted for 11 runs on 12 hits as they won a big game against the Giants at PNC park. Jace Jung led the way, going 2-4 with a home run. He drove in six runs for the Pirates. His grand slam off Gregory Santos in the bottom of the 5th put Pittsburgh up 6-1. Gabriel Arias had a 2-run home run for the Buccos.
WP: S. Alcantara (11-8)
LP: G. Santos (4-6)
Record: 72-68

Game #141 – July 28 – Pittsburgh 3, San Francisco 2
The Pirates won the rubber match of the series when Brice Turang took Jesse Bergin deep in the bottom of the 8th. His solo home run put Pittsburgh up 3-2.
WP: Y. De Los Santos (3-3)
LP: J. Begin (8-11)
SV: E. Diaz (3)
Record: 73-68

Game #142 – July 29 – Pittsburgh 7, Philadelphia 3
Israel Pineda went 2-4 with 2 home runs, driving in 5 as the Pirates beat the Phillies at Citibank Park. Pineda's 3-run home run in the 2nd gave the Pirates a 4-1 lead. In bad news, Brice Turang left the game with a fractured foot and will miss the rest of the season.
WP: J. Slaten (5-7)
LP: Z. Wheeler (6-11)
SV: L. Gil (2)
Record: 74-68

TRANSACTION: Placed Brice Turang on the 60 day injured list and recalled Heston Kjerstad from AAA Indianapolis. Sent Masayoshi Oshima to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab.

Game #143 – July 30 – Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 3
The Pirates are 7 games above .500 for the first time this season after Roansy Contreras pitched 5 solid innings. The Pirates took the lead in the top of the 1st with two out when Oneill Cruz hit a 2-run home run off Zach Eflin.
WP: R. Contreras (11-8)
LP: Z. Eflin (4-7)
SV: W. Charles (29)
Record: 75-68

Game #144 – July 31 – Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1
The Phillies salvaged the final game of the series as Aaron Nola shut down the Pittsburgh offense. The Pirates had chances of score, but could only get 1 run home. Willy Adames stroked the go ahead 2-run double in the bottom of the 3rd.
WP: A. Nola (10-14)
LP: D. Hall (11-10)
SV: B. Sullivan (25)
Record: 75-69

[TribeTown]

AUGUST 2025 IN REVIEW

The Pirates finally played some good baseball in August, going 17-12 and finishing the month by winning 9 of their final 12 games in the month. Unfortunately, the Reds also played good baseball and the Buccos remain 2 games behind Cincinnati for the final wild card spot.This surge seems to be too little too late, but sometimes miracles do happen.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The Cubs have all but clinched the NL Central. At 90-54, they have a 13 game lead over the Reds. The Braves (85-59) lead the East by 1 game. Washington is 6 games back. The Padres (86-58) have a 15 games lead over the Rockies in the West.

The Yankees (88-56) lead the Red Sox by 15 games in the AL East. The Tigers (79-65) lead the Central by 1 game over Minnesota. The White Sox are 2 back and the Royals are 4 back. The Astros (82-62) have a 6 game lead over Seattle in the West.

• August 2 – Seattle reliever Huascar Ynoa will miss the next 4-5 weeks with a strained hamstring.
  
• August 10 – Phillies 3B Bryson Stott hit for the cycle as Philadelphia beat Arizona 8-7 at Chase Field.
  
• August 10 – Lucas Giolito hurled a no-hitter as St. Louis beat the Reds 1-0.
  
• August 18 – Toronto CF Taylor Trammell fractured his ankle and will miss the rest of the season.

DOWN ON THE FARM

August 18 – DSL shortstop Wesley Zapata hit 3 home runs in a game against the Cubs.

[TribeTown]

September 1 – Off Day

TRANSACTION: Puchased the Contract of Louis Head from AAA Indianapolis. Activated Mashayoshi Oshima from injury rehab.

Game # 145 – September 2 – Chicago 8, Pittsburgh 6
The Cubs took a 7-0 lead in the 3rd. The Pirates battled back, scoring 4 times in the 5th (Israel Pineda's 3-run home run was the highlight), but could not complete the comeback.
WP: M. Kranick (4-1)
LP: S. Alcantara (11-9)
SV: C. Rodon (4)
Record: 75-70

Game #146 – September 3 – Chicago 2, Pittsburgh
1
The Cubs prevailed in a pitcher's duel at PNC park as Taiwan Walker beat Shane Bieber. Masayoshi Oshima's home run in the 6th was the only scoring for the Pirates.
WP: T. Walker (3-3)
LP: S. Bieber (1-4)
SV: C. Rodon (5)
Record: 75-71

Game #147 – September 4 – Pittsburgh 4, Chicago
2
Roansy Contreras had a strong outing as the Pirates salvaged the final game of the series. Oneil Cruz's 3-run home run in the 3rd was the big blow for the Pirates. Masayoshi Oshima added a solo shot in the 4th.
WP: R. Contreras (12-8)
LP: R. Jensen (4-7)
Record: 76-71

Game #148 – September 5 – LA Dodgers 4, Pittsburgh 3
Pittsburgh's playoff chances continue to plummet as the Dodgers prevailed in Los Angeles. Cedric Mullins hit a solo home run off Nick Mears in the bottom of the 8th to break a 3-3 tie.
WP: G. Stone (3-1)
LP: N. Mears (1-5)
SV: N. Robertson (22)
Record: 76-72

Game #149 – September 6 – LA Dodgers 7, Pittsburgh 4
Jose Goday drove in 4 runs as the Pirates fell to the Dodgers again. Once again, Masayoshi Oshima provided the only real highlight, a 3-run bomb in the top of the 1st inning.
WP: A. Heaney (8-7)
LP: C. Smith (3-2)
SV: N. Robertson (23)
Record: 76-73

Game #150 – September 7 – LA Dodger 14, Pittsburgh 3
The Dodgers swept the Pirates, cruising to a blowout win. Masayoshi Oshima hit a 3-run home run in the 1st, and that was about all there was for the Buccos.
WP: M. Buchanan (9-8)
LP: S. Alcantara (11-10)
Record: 76-74

Game #151 – September 8 – Atlanta 12, Pittsburgh 4
Another blowout loss, this time at the hands of the Braves. Pittsburgh was leading 4-3 before Atlanta scored 7 times in the 4th.
WP: I. Anderson (13-9)
LP: S. Bieber (1-5)
Record: 76-75

Game #152 – September 9 – Pittsburgh 5, Atlanta 3
The Pirates snapped their losing streak behind the hitting of Oswald Peraza, whose 2-run double in the 8th gave Pittsburgh the lead.
WP: T. Cosgrove (4-3)
LP: C. Knebel (2-2)
SV: W. Charles (31)
Record: 77-75

Game #153 – September 10 – Atlanta 3, Pittsburgh 2
Colin Moran was the walk-off hero for Atlanta, hitting a dramatic solo home run in the bottom of the 9th to send the Braves home with the victory.
WP: A. Kittredge (5-7)
LP: L. Gil (6-2)
Record: 77-76

TRANSACTION: Placed Pete Crow-Armstrong in the 60-day injured list with a broken kneecap. Recalled Eddys Leonard from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #154 – September 11 – Pittsburgh 6, Arizona 5
Gabriel Arias led the way, including a home run. Israel Pineda singled home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th inning.
WP: Y. De Los Santos (4-1)
LP: C. Poche (3-5)
SV: W. Charles (32)
Record: 78-76

Game #155 – September 12 – Pittsburgh 5, Arizona 4
Cole Cummings hit 2 home runs and drove home 4. Steven Kwan's run-scoring single in the bottom of the 5th put the Buccos ahead 2-1. The Diamondbacks scored twice in the 9th to make it close.
WP: S. Alcantara (12-10)
LP: J. Bukauskas (7-14)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (2)
Record: 79-76

Game #156 – September 13 – Pittsburgh 9, Arizona 8
The Pirates completed the sweep of the Diamondbacks at PNC Park despite a 4-5 day from Corbin Carroll. Carroll hit 2 home runs and drove in 4. Pittsburgh scored 7 times in the bottom of the 8th. Oswald Peraza smashed a 2-run double to put the Pirates ahead.
WP: T. Cosgrove (5-3)
LP: C. Poche (3-6)
SV: J. Slaten (2)
Record: 80-76

September 14 – Off Day

Game #157 – September 15 – Pittsburgh 7, San Diego 1
A NO HITTER! The Pirates kept their faint playoff hopes alive behind an outstanding performance by Roansy Contreras, who pitched 8.1 innings, allowing 1 run on no hits. Manny Machado walked to lead off the 2nd inning, stole second base, went to 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored on a groundout to the shortstop. Luis Gil retired the last 2 batters to complete the combined no-hitter.
WP: R. Contreras (13-8)
LP: N. Crismatt (8-7)
Record: 81-76

Game #158 – September 16 – San Diego 6, Pittsburgh 2
Bryce Elder pitched 6.1 strong innings as Padres pitching held the Pirates in check.
WP: B. Elder (3-0)
LP: D. Hall (11-11)
SV: J. Guerra (42)
Record: 81-77

Game #159 – September 17 – San Diego 4, Pittsburgh 3
The Pirates suffered a devastating loss that all but shut the door on any chance of claiming the 3rd wild card spot when Manny Machado blasted a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 8th inning off of Carter Smith. Smith had been outstanding up until that point.
WP: R. Wick (3-1)
LP: C. Smith (3-3)
SV: J. Guerra (43)
Record: 81-78

TRANSACTION: Activated Brennan Davis from the injured list. Optioned Heston Kjerstad to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #160 – September 18 – Cincinnati 5, Pittsburgh 3
Jairo Pomeres went 3-4, driving in 3 runs, to lead the Reds to a series-opening win which officially eliminated the Pirates from the playoff chase.
WP: J. Cruz (2-5)
LP: S. Alcantara (12-11)
SV: G. Ashcraft (21)
Record: 81-79

Game #161 – September 19 – Pittsburgh 5, Cincinnati 3
Steven Kwan broke a 3-3 tie with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th.
WP: N. Mears (2-5)
LP: C. Phillips (7-7)
SV: W. Charles (33)
Record: 82-79

Game #162 – September 20 – Cincinnati 10, Pittsburgh 2
A frustrating and disappointing season came to an end as the Reds scored 5 times in the 1st inning and never looked back.
WP: H. Greene (8-12)
LP: R. Contreras (13-9)
Record: 82-80

[TribeTown]

SEPTEMBER 2025 IN REVIEW

A disappointing ending to a disappointing season. The Buccos played inconsistently all season, although they finished above .500 for the 2nd straight season and had an outside shot at the 3rd Wild Card spot until the final week of the season. Still, this team never really meshed together very well.

An interesting off season is coming up. The Pirates will have to reduce payroll. Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Diaz are both free agents and will not return. At least one of the other big contracts (Sandy Alcantara, Shane Bieber, or Masasyoshi Oshima) will have to come off the books as well.

On the other hand, most of the starting lineup is very young (average age is 25), and it can be hoped that some of those players will show improvement in 2026. It can also be expected that some of those players will never be more than AAAA players. Some of the key decisions that will have to be made:

• There are currently 3 young second baseman on the roster – Brice Turang, Oswald Peraza, and Jace Jung. The Pirates can't keep all three. Jung is one of the Pirates top prospects and hit well when called up, but defensively he is the weakest of the 3 (40 rating). Turang has been the best overall performer of the 3. Peraza was disappointing offensively, is excellent defensively, and has the best overall potential of the 3.
  
• Masayoshi Oshima is the best offensive threat in the team, is above average defensively at the hot corner, but is also the team's highest paid player. Is Brady House, also a 3rd baseman and one of team's top prospects, ready to play everyday? If so, where does he play? If he plays 3rd base, Oshima has to be expendable. Or, does he move to 2nd base, making 2 off the 3 above expendable?
  
• Which of the following oitfielders – Joey Weimer, Steven Kwan, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Brennan Davis, Oneil Cruz, and Heston Kjerstad – will settle into everyday roles next year, and which are expendable? None of them were especially overwhelming offensively, although Kwan was the most consistent hitter and Cruz the biggest power threat. Crow-Armstrong is an elite centerfielder who barely hit after being acquired. Davis played just 13 games at the big league level this season after being very productive as a Cub over the previous two. Kjerstad was a massive disappointment and lost his big league job twice. Weimer was a pleasant surprise but will likely never be more than a 4th outfielder.
  
• What to do with Gabriel Arias? An excellent defensive shortstop who has yet to hit consistently at the major league level.
  
• What to do with the bullpen? The relievers pitched well as a group, but almost every reliever will receive raises one way or another (new contracts or arbitration), and there are some of good arms ready to play at the major league level who will earn the minimum.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

• September 10 – Minnesota catcher Salvador Perez collected career home run #300 as the Twins beat the Blue Jays 18-8.
  
• September 12 – A big blow for the NL West leading Padres – Blake Snell (20-7, 3.59 ERA in 32 starts 8) is out for the rest of the season and postseason with a torn rotator cuff
  
• September 18 – San Diego star Manny Machado collect career hit #2000 as the Padres beat the Brown Bears 7-1.

PLAYOFF SUMMARY

AL Wild Card Round – Chicago 2, Minnesota 0
AL Wild Card Round – Detroit 2, Seattle 1
NL Wild Card Round – New York 2, Cincinnati 0
NL Wild Card Round – Washington 2, San Diego 1

AL Divisional Round – Houston 3, Chicago 0
AL Divisional Round – New York 3, Detroit 1
NL Divisional Round – St. Louis 3, New York 0
NL Divisional Round – Atlanta 3, Washington 0

AL Championship Round – New York 4, Houston 3
NL Championship Round – St. Louis 4, Atlanta 2

World Series - St. Louis 4, New York 0

DOWN ON THE FARM

Indianapolis advanced to the playoffs once again, clinching the IL West Division title on September 29. The Indians won round 1 of the playoffs, defeating Norfolk 4 games to 2. They fell to Omaha in the finals, 4 games to 1.

[TribeTown]

OFF SEASON, PART 1

SEASON AWARDS
AL Batting Champion – Michael Brantley (Red Sox)
NL Batting Champion – Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks)
AL Reliever of the Year – Devin Williams (Yankees)
NL Reliever of the Year – Javy Guerra (Padres)
AL Rookie of the Year – Xiao-Peng Seema (Tigers)
NL Rookie of the Year – Jay Allen (Reds)
AL Manager of the Year – Robin Ventura (Astros)
NL Manager of the Year – Oliver Marmol (Cardinals)
AL Cy Young – Adam Macko (Mariners)
NL Cy Young – Lucas Giolito (Cardinals)
AL MVP – Julio Rodriguez (Mariners)
NL MVP – Joey Gallo (Braves)

October 20 – Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto announced his retirement.

October 21 – The 1st major trade of the off-season: Detroit dealt P Casey Mize to St. Louis for 2 minor league players.

October 21 – The Pirates traded R Louis Head to Charlotte in exchange for R Laurente Archibugi. Archibugi has an excellent curveball and a decent fastball, but he has poor control. If he can improve his control, he can be a good bullpen arm.

The Pirates also traded Eddys Leonard and Aaron Zavala (both stuck at Indianapolis with little room for them in Pittsburgh) to Atlanta in exchange for 3B Mac Horvath. Horvath (who can also play 1B, SS, and RF) was a 1st round draft pick in 2023. He shows good power and will be league average or better hitter if he improves his patience at the plate.

October 23 – Toronto claimed Maikol Escotto, who had been designated for assignment.

November 11 – ARBITRATION
Contract agreements:
Tom Cosgrove – $1,300,000
Brennan Davis – $3,250,000
Oneil Cruz – $1,500,000
Ron Marinaccio – $1,840,000
Luis Gil – $1,300,000
Nick Mears – $1,700,000

Arbitration Hearings:
Wandisson Charles to receive $5,000,000 (player)
Gabriel Arias to receive $1,300,000 (team)
Roansy Contreras to receive $7,400,000 (player)

November 13 – In a blockbuster, the Pirates traded Sandy Alcantara, Oneil Cruz, and Wandisson Charles to the New York Mets, receiving OF Chase DeLauter and pitchers Javier Atencio and David Carillo in return.

This was primarily a move to clear salary as Alcantara, Cruz, and Charles will earn a combined $23,500,000 in 2026. DeLauter makes consistent contact and projects to be an above average power hitter and an above average defender. Atencio and Carillo both project to be mid-rotation starters.

November 17 – The Pirates traded Hudson Head to Minnesota in exchange for P Alexander Cornielle, a 24 year-old reliever.

November 21 – The Phillies signed one of the top free agent pitchers, coming to terms on a 7 year, $150,000,000 with Julio Urias. Urias can be dominant when healthy, but has not pitched a full season since 2022.

November 22 – Reliever Matt Strahm signed a 2-year, $7,160,000 deal with the Yankees.

November 22 – The Yankees acquired starter Zach Wheeler from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitcher Julio Carmango.

November 24 – C Carson Kelly resigned with Arizona for 5 years, $100,000,000.

November 28 – The Mets signed SP Dylan Cease to a 5-year, $115,000,000 contract. San Antonio signed Trevor Bauer to a 4-year, $82,400,000 deal. Philadelphia signed Gleyber Torres to a 5-year, $98,000,000 contract. In another blockbuster trade, the Cleveland Guardians acquired SP Jacob deGrom from Charlotte in exchange for 5 prospects.

December 1 – The Red Sox signed Kyle Schwarber to a 4-year $27,600,000 contract. The Yankees traded minor league 2B Roderick Arias to Cleveland in exchange for P Triston McKenzie

December 1 – In a pair of deals, the Pirates traded Heston Kjerstad to San Francisco in exchange for Luke Little, who has elite stuff and inconsistent control. If he harnesses his control,ittle could be a solid starting pitcher.

The Pirates also dealt Ron Marinaccio to division rival Cincinnati, receiving 2B/SS Manuel Beltre in return. The 21 year-old Beltre "possesses acrobatic fielding capabilities" and "has above average contact skills, a smooth swing, quick hands, and good pitch recognition."

December 4 – The Twins agreed to a 2-year, $23,200,000 contract extension with CL Taylor Rogers. The Mets traded former top prospect Brett Baty and a minor leaguer to Milwaukee in exchange for P Brandon Woodruff.

December 11 – The Braves finalized a 22-year, $22,200,000 with top free agent closer Devin Williams. The Mets signed CF Cedric Mullins to a 6-year, $133,200,000 contract.

December 15 – The Cardinals signed Japanese reliever Kyozo Nishida to a 2-year, $15,200,000 contract.

December 17– The Brewers signed SP Chris Sale to a 22-year, $11,200,000 contract.

December 19 – Arizona signed OF Jesse Winkle to a 5-year deal worth $85,000,000.

December 20 – Reliever Raisel Iglesias signed a 2-year deal with the Mets.

December 21 – After long and difficult negotiations, the Pirates traded Brice Turang and Luis Gil to Arizona, acquiring OF Corbin Carroll in return.

Carroll finally gives the Pirates a legitimate leadoff hitter, something they have not had for the past few seasons.

December 24 – The Mets signed SP Sonny Gray to a 22-year, $23,800,000 deal.

January 1 – 2B Nico Hoerner signed a 5-year, $82,300,000 contract with San Antonio. SP Chris Bassitt signed with the Giants.

January 3 – SP Tejay Antone signed a 22-year, $23,600,000 deal with the Cardinals.

January 10– Michael Brantley signed with Kansas City for 1 year, $10,200,000.

[TribeTown]

OFF SEASON, PART 2

January 21 – The LA Angels signed reliever Brad Hand to a 1-year, $3,220,000 contract.

January 23 – The Cubs signed SP Nick Martinez to a 1-year, $5,500,000 contract.

January 24 – RP Colin Poche signed with Boston. P Chris Stratton signed with Boston.

January 31 – 2B Jorge Polanco, a mainstay for the Twins, signed a 2-year, $34,400,000 contract with Kansas City.

February 4 – Well-traveled RP Trevor Rosenthal signed with the White Sox. Well-traveled RP Andrew Chafin signed with the Brewers.

February 5 – San Antonio traded 1B Brandon Belt to Cincinnati in exchange for a minor league CF.

February 8 – After a year in Atlanta, SP Michael Kopech went home, signing a 5-year, $86,400,000 deal with the White Sox.

February 10 – RP Tanner Scott signed a 1-year, $4,080,000 contract with San Diego.

February 11 – RP Archie Bradley signed with the Angels.

Spring Training

February 21 – Newly-acquired P Luke Little ruptured his ulnar collateral ligament , ending his season. Little was expected to have a key role in the Pirates bullpen.

February 25 – A's P A. J. Puk fractured his elbow and will miss the season.

February 27 – Astros RP Daysbel Hernandez will miss the season with a torn labrum.

February 28 – Orioles star OF Coby Mayo will miss at least 5 months with a broken kneecap.

March 1 – Twins OF Max Kepler will miss 7-8 months with a torn labrum.

March 4 – Cardinals P Justin Steele will miss the season with a torn rotator cuff. Minnesota P Eduardo Rodriguez will miss the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

March 12 – Mets RP Raisel Iglesias tore the flexor tendon in his elbow and will miss the season.

OPENING DAY ROSTER

Disabled List:

• Quinn Priester (torn rotator cuff) will be out until mid-summer and then can begin rehab.
  
• Pete-Crow Armstrong will be out at least another month before he can begin rehab.
  
• Luke Little will be out the entire season.
  
• Steven Kwan injured his back during the last week of spring training and is likely to be out for a month.
  
• Carter Smith was shut down for three weeks during spring training, only returning to action during the final week. He will start the season at Indianapolis to get some pitching in before being recalled to the big club.

Lineup
C – Endy Rodriguez, Drew Romp, Israel Pineda. The Pirates decided to keep 3 catchers. Rodriguez will play some 1B and DH.

1B – Cole Cummings. Cummings gets on base, has some power, and has a good glove. He will be backed up by Jace Jung and Rodriguez.

2B – Oswald Peraza/Jace Jung. Peraza will get his opportunity.to play everyday.

SS – Gabriel Arias. Arias returns with his great glove and inconsistent bat.

3B – Masayoshi Oshima. Oshima is the Pirates best offensive player and will be expected to provide run production for this team.

LF – Chase DeLauter/Joey Weimer. This will be a platoon to start the year, with DeLauter playing against right-handed pitchers and Weimer against lefties – at least until Steven Kwan returns.

CF – Corbin Carroll. Carroll will bat leadoff and hopefully spark the offense.

RF – Brennan Davis. Hopefully Davis will return to the form he had with the Cubs before his injury-filled 2025.

Bench – Liover Peguero and Jackson Merrill both made this team and will get a shot to show what they can do. Merrill is a highly-regarded prospect. Bubba Chandler, a 2-way player, can also play 3B and SS.

DH – The Pirates plan to rotate at bats between different players, primarily Jung, Rodriguez, and Chandler. Oshima will also play some DH, allowing one of the younger infielders to get some time at third.

Starting Pitching – The top 4 are set with Shane Bieber, Roansy Contreras, D. L. Hall, and Justin Slaten. Bubba Chandler will hold down the 5th spot until Carter Smith is ready.

Bullpen – Javier Atencio, Alexander Cornielle, Tom Cosgrove, Nick Mears, Luis Ortiz, Andrew Walters, and Yerry De Los Santos. Outside of Cosgrove, Mears, and De Los Santos (who takes over as the closer), this is an untested group.

[TribeTown]

Game #1 – March 26 – Pittsburgh 3, Milwaukee 2
The Pirates won on Opening Day at PNC Park. Shane Bieber led the way, allowing 1 run on 4 hits over 6 innings. Oswald Peraza broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single in the 4th and Chase DeLauter added an RBI single in the 5th.
WP: S. Bieber (1-0)
LP: C. Burnes (0-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (1)
Record: 1-0

Game #2 – March 27 – Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 2
Eugenio Suarez hit a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the 8th to give the Brewers the lead.
WP: S. Manaea (1-0)
LP: L. Ortiz (0-1)
SV: A. Perdomo (1)
Record: 1-1

Game #3 – March 28 – Pittsburgh 4, Milwaukee 2
The Buccos scored 3 times in the first on a Brennen Davis single and a 2-run home run by Cole Cummings. D. L. Hall pitched 6 solid innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits.
WP: D. Hall (1-0)
LP: T. Glasgow (0-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (1)
Record: 2-1

Game #4 – March 29 – Pittsburgh 8, LA Dodgers 2 (10 innings)
The Pirates spoiled the Dodgers's home opener, scoring 6 times in the 10th inning to break open a tie game. Gabriel Arias hit a solo home run to lead off the inning, and Brennen Davis and Endy Rodriguez added home runs later in the inning.
WP: N. Mears (1-0)
LP: N. Robertson (0-1)
Record: 3-1

Game #5 – March 30 – Pittsburgh 7, LA Dodgers 3
Masayoshi Oshima drilled a 2-run home run in the top of the 8th inning to give the Pirates a 5-3 lead.
WP: T. Cosgrove (1-0)
LP: B. Graterol (0-1)
Record: 4-1

Game #6 – March 31 – LA Dodgers 4, Pittsburgh 1
Matthew Buchanan shut down the Pirates, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 8 over 8 innings.
WP: M. Buchanan (1-1)
LP: S. Bieber (1-1)
SV: N. Robertson (1)
Record: 4-2

[TribeTown]

April 1 – Rain Out

Game #7 – April 2 – Pittsburgh 1, Philadelphia 0
Roansy Contreras out-pitched Frank Gonzalez. Pittsburgh's only run came in the 2nd inning when Cole Cummings scored on an Oswaldo Perez double play.
WP: R. Contreras (1-0)
LP: F. Gonzalez (0-2)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (3)
Record: 5-2

Game #8 – April 3 (game #1) – Pittsburgh 8, Philadelphia 2
The Pirates scored 6 times in the 3rd inning and rolled to a big win in the 1st game of a doubleheader. With Pittsburgh leading 3-0, Drew Romo hit a 2-run single to give the Pirates a 5-0 lead.
WP: D. Hall (1-0)
LP: B. Keller (0-2)
Record 6-2

Game #9 – April 3 (game #2) – Pittsburgh 8, Philadelphia 0
The Pirates swept the doubleheader and the series behind strong performance from Justin Slaten. Slaten held the Phillies to just 2 hits over 8 Innings while striking out 6. Jace Jung hit a 3-run home run and the bottom of the 1st to put Pittsburgh up 4-0. Joey Weimer hit a 2-run shot in the 4th.
WP: J. Slaten (1-0
LP: M. Abel (0-2)
Record: 7-2

TRANSACTION: Placed Gabriel Arias on the 10-day Injured List with a strained thumb ligament
Recalled Carter Smith from AAA Indianapolis. Optioned Jackson Merrill to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled Manuel Beltre from AAA Indianapolis

Game #10 – April 4 – Chicago 10, Pittsburgh 4
The Cubs used a 7-run 4th inning to win the opening game of the series. Seth Beer, the former Pirate, went 4-5 with 4 singles and drove in 2 runs to lead the Cubs. First baseman Walton Boutillier drove in 5 runs, including a grand slam in the bottom of the 4th.
WP: E. Lauer (1-0)
LP: B. Chandler (0-1)
Record: 7-3

Game #11 – April 5 – Pittsburgh 9, Chicago 3
Masayoshi Oshima went 3-4 to lead the Pirates to the win. Trailing 2-1 in the top of the 6th inning Oshima blasted a 2-run home run, his 4th home run of the season, to make it 3-2. Oshima drove in 4 runs on the day. Manuel Beltre had his 1st major league hit, a single in the 7th.
WP: S. Bieber (2-1)
LP: D. Herz (0-1)
Record: 8-3

Game #12 – April 6 – Pittsburgh 5, Chicago 4
The Pirates scored 3 times in the 6th inning to take the lead and held on to win the rubber match of the series. Chase DeLauter led the Pirates with 2 hits and 2 runs batted in.
WP: C. Smith (1-0)
LP: T. Thomas (0-3
SV: Y. De Los Santos (4)
Record: 9-3

TRANSACTION: Sent Steven Kwan to AAA Indianapolis on an injury rehab assignment.

April 7 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

Game #13 – April 8 – Pittsburgh 4, San Diego 2
Roansy Contreras pitched well, allowing 2 runs out for 4 over 6.1 innings of work. Oswald Pereza took Adrian Morejon deep in the bottom of the 5th. His 3-run home run put the Pirates on top 4-2. It was Peraza's 1st home run of the season.
WP: R. Contreras (2-0)
LP: A. Morejon (2-1)
SV: J. Del Los Santos (5)
Record: 10-3

Game #14 – April 9 – Pittsburgh 3, San Diego 1
D. L. Hall was superb, allowing 1 run on 3 hits over 7 Innings to improve to 3-0. Cole Cummings hit a 2-1 changeup into left for a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 6th. His 2nd home run season with Pittsburgh ahead 3-1.
WP: D. Hall (3-0)
LP: Z. Gallen (1-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (6)
Record: 11-3

Game #15 – April 10 – Pittsburgh 9, San Diego 6
Corbin Carroll went 2-3 with a home run and drove in 3 runs to lead the Pirates to their 5th win in a row. The Pirates took a 7-6 lead on Israel Pineda's 1st double of the season in the bottom of the 7th.
WP: J. Attencio (1-0)
LP: M. Baez (0-1)
SV: N. Mears (1)
Record: 12-3

Game #16 – April 11 – Pittsburgh 7, Charlotte 2
Shane Bieber turned in an exceptional performance, hurling 6 innings of 5-hit ball while striking out 4 and walking 2. He allowed 2 runs. Bubba Chandler hit his 1st major league home run, a 3-run shot off Tony Gonsolin one in the bottom of the 4th, to put the Pirates up 5-0.
WP: S. Bieber (3-1)
LP: T. Gonsolin (1-1)
SV: L. Ortiz (1)
Record: 13-3

Game #17 – April 12 – Pittsburgh 11, Charlotte 10
It was one of the most exciting wins in recent memory at PNC park. Trailing 5-0 after 3 innings, and 10-7 midway through the 8th, the Pirates came back for a dramatic win. Brennen Davis drove in 4 runs for Pittsburgh, including a dramatic walk-off, 2-run home run in the bottom of the 9th.
WP: J. Attencio (2-0)
LP: V. Santos (0-2)
Record: 14-3

Game #18 – April 13 – Charlotte 7, Pittsburgh 2
Former Pirate Eddy Yean pitched Charlotte past the Pirates, snapping Pittsburgh's 7-game winning streak. The Pirates couldn't get much going offensively against Yean.
WP: E. Yean (2-0)
LP: R. Contreras (2-1)
Record: 14-4

[TribeTown]

April 14 – Rain Out

Game #19 – April 15 (Game 1) – Pittsburgh 9, Colorado 6
Jace Jung hit a 2-run single in the top of the 2nd to put Pittsburgh up 4-0, and Drew Romo hit 2-run home in the 8th inning as the Pirates won the 1st game of a doubleheader at Coors Field.
WP: D. Hall (4-0)
LP: R. Piepot (1-1)
SV: A. Walters (1)
Record: 15-4

Game #20 – April 15 (Game 2) – Pittsburgh 10, Colorado 8
Joey Weimer went 4-6 with a home run, a double, and two singles and drove into 2 runs to lead the Pirates to a doubleheader sweep of the Rockies. CJ Cron's 5th inning grand slam was the big hit for Colorado.
WP: N. Mears (2-0)
LP: H. Olivarez (0-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (7)
Record: 16-4

Game #21 – April 16 – Pittsburgh 13, Colorado 8
Jace Jung went 3-4 with a triple and 2 doubles to lead the Pirates to a series sweep. Masayoshi Oshima hit a 3-run home run on the top of the 3rd inning to put Pittsburgh on top 3-0. Chase DeLauter added a 3-run home run later in the evening as the Pirates scored 7 times in the 3rd.
WP: L. Ortiz (1-1)
LP: J. Jones (1-3)
Record: 17-4

Game #22 – April 17 – Pittsburgh 8, San Francisco
6
Endy Rodriguez's bases-clearing double to left-center in the bottom of the 5th put the Pirates up 4-1. Oswald Pereza added a 2-run home run later in the evening as the Pirates scored 6 times to take a 6-1 lead. The Giants mounted a comeback, scoring twice in the 7th, twice in the 8th, and once in the 9th, but Yerry De Los Santos held on to preserve the win for his 8th save of the season. Withnthe loss, the Giants fell to 2-22.
WP: S. Bieber (4-1)
LP: J. Begin (0-5)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (8)
Record: 18-4

Game #23 – April 18 – San Francisco 4, Pittsburgh
3
The Giants scored 3 times in the top of the 1st inning and held on to snap their streak. Jace Jung hit a 2- run double in the 9th to close the score to 4-3, but Masayoshi Oshima flied out to end the game.
WP: K. Harrison (1-3)
LP: R. Contreras (2-2)
SV: R. Dabovich (1)
Record: 18-5

Game #24 – April 19 – Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 1 (10 innings)
Carter Smith had a solid start, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 8 over 6 innings. Pittsburgh won the game in the bottom of the 10th inning when Endy Rodriguez hit a dramatic 3-run home run with 2 outs for the walk-off win.
WP: N. Mears (3-0)
LP: G. Santos (0-4)
Record: 19-5

[TribeTown]

April 20 – Off Day

Game #25 – April 21 – St. Louis 8, Pittsburgh 6
Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 6th inning to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead. The Cardinals tied in the bottom of the 7th, but Cole Cummings hit a solo home run in the top of the 8th to put Pittsburgh back on top. St Louis scored 4 times in the bottom of the 8th. Andrew Walters gave up 4 runs (1 earned) in the bottom of the 8th as St Louis took the 1st game of the series between the top 2 teams in the NL Central.
WP: J. Romano (3-2)
LP: A. Walters (0-1)
SV: K. Nishida (11)
Record: 19-6

Game #26 – April 22 – St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 2
The Pirates dropped their 2nd game in a row as Lucas Giolito allowed 1 run over 6.2 innings. Dylan Carlson's 3-run home run in the bottom of the 5th was the big hit of the game, putting up the Cardinals ahead 5-0. Brennen Davis hit a home run in the 8th, his 5th.
WP: L. Giolito (3-2)
LP: J. Slaten (1-1)
SV: K. Nishida (12)
Record: 19-7

Game #27 – April 23 – St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 1
Andre Pallante was excellent for the Cardinals as the Pirates were swept for the 1st time all season in a series where they did not play well in any phase of the game. The Cardinals hit 3 home runs, including a 3-run shot by the left fielder Jaylen Palmer in the bottom of the 6th. The Pirates managed just 4 hits.
WP: A. Pallante (2-2)
LP: S. Bieber (4-2)
SV: J. Sborz (1)
Record: 19-8

Game #28 – April 24 – Pittsburgh 9, Washington 8
Chase DeLauter went 2-4 with a home run and a double and drove in 4 runs for the Pirates, but Pittsburgh trailed 8-5 going into the bottom of the 9th inning. Masayoshi Oshima blasted a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 9th to give the Pirates a dramatic walk off win and snap their losing streak.
WP: N. Mears (4-0)
LP: J. Guerrero (1-1)
Record: 20-8

TRANSACTION: Activate Pete Crow-Armstrong from the Injured List and option him to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #29 – April 25 – Pittsburgh 8, Washington 4
Oswald Pereza had 2 hits and drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 2nd. It was his 1st home run of the season and gave the Pirates a 2-0 lead. The Pirates added 3 runs in the 5th, and 3 more in the 6th.
WP: C. Smith (2-0)
LP: J. Eder (1-4)
Record: 21-8

Game #30 – April 26 – Pittsburgh 5, Washington 2
D. L. Hall was masterful, striking out 9 and allowing 1 one hit over 6 shutout innings. Liover Peguero hit his 1st major league home run, a solo shot in the bottom of the 5th inning. Juan Soto hit a 2-run home run in the 9th to close it to 5-2.
WP: D. Hall (5-0)
LP: S. Romero (2-2)
Record: 22-8

[TribeTown]

Game #31 – April 27 – NY Mets 4, Pittsburgh 3
Jameson Hannah hit a 2-run run double in the bottom of 4th to put the Mets up 3-0. New York added a run in the 5th, and although the Pirates scored 2 and the 6th and 1 on the 8th, they could not complete the comeback. Pittsburgh had plenty of scoring opportunities, but could not take advantage of them.
WP: D. Cease (4-0)
LP: J. Slaten (1-2)
SV: B. Woodruff (12)
Record: 22-9

Game #32 -- April 28 – NY Mets 2, Pittsburgh 1
Luis Moreno was marvelous as outpitched Shane Bieber in a classic pitcher's duel. Moreno went 8 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 7. The Pirates could get nothing going against him. Cal Mitchell and Ronnie Mauricio hit home runs for the Mets. Gabriel Arias hit a solo shot in the 9th inning, which was the only scoring for Pittsburgh.
WP: L. Moreno (6-1)
LP: S. Bieber (4-3)
SV: B. Woodruff (13)
Record: 22-10

Game #33 – April 29 – NY Mets 7, Pittsburgh 1
Sandy Alcantara pitched wonderfully and beat his old team. He allowed 5 hits and walked 2 over 8 innings. Ronnie Mauricio hit a 2-run home run off Roansy Contreras in the bottom of the 4th to put New York up 3-1. It was part of the 5-run inning that put the game away.
WP: S. Alcantara (3-3)
LP: R. Contreras (2-3)
Record: 22-11

Game #34 – April 30 – Pittsburgh 2, Arizona 0
The Pirates snapped their losing streak behind a tremendous performance by Carter Smith. Oswald Peraza tagged a home run off Humberto Castellanos in the bottom of the 8th to put Pittsburgh up 2-0.
WP: T. Cosgrove (2-0)
LP: H. Castellanos (2-2)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (9)
Record: 23-11

MARCH/APRIL 2026 IN REVIEW

The Pirates ended the month tied with the Mets for the best record in baseball at 24-11. The only blemish on a great start to this season is being swept by the Cardinals and the Mets, 2 of the top teams in the league. Pittsburgh is 24 and 5 against everyone else they've played.

Masayoshi Oshima is off to a great start, and leads the major leagues in RBIs. The team is 2md in the National League in runs scored and is near the top of the league in most pitching categories.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

The Pirates lead the NL Central by 2 games over the Cardinals. The Reds are 5 games back and the Brewers are 6 games back in what is shaping up to be the toughest division in Major League baseball.

The Mets (27-15) have a 2-game lead over the Braves in the East. The Diamondbacks (21-21) lead the Rockies by 3 games in the west.

In the American League, the Yankees (25-16) lead the East by 2-1/2 games over the Red Sox. The Tigers (29-13 have built a 7 game lead in the Central. The Astros (22-20) lead the Athletics and the Angels by 1 game.

• April 1 – Freddy Peralta signed a 6-year, $133,200,000 extension with the Padres
  
• April 2 – The Phillies landed free agent Edwin Diaz, who had remained unsigned, on a 1-year, $21,000,000 contract. Also reliever Diego Castillo signed a 3-year, $12,600,000 contract extension with the Cardinals.
  
• April 7 – Dodgers starter Patrick Sandoval will miss the rest of the season with bone chips in his elbow.
  
• April 9 – D. J. LeMahieu of the Yankees smacked his 2000th career hit as New York beat Texas 9-4.
  
• April 15 – Braxton Garrett of the Marlins will miss the rest of the season with a torn flexor tendon. Patrick Corbin of the Oakland A's will miss 5-6 months with a fractured coracoid bone in his shoulder. Red Sox star Xander Bogaerts will miss the next 5-6 weeks with a pulled hip flexor tendon.
  
• April 17 – Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves hit for the cycle as his team beat Charlotte 10-5.
  
• April 19 – Arizona pitcher J. B. Bukauskas will miss the rest of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
  
• April 21 – The Mets signed reliever Pete Fairbanks to a 2-year contract extension worth $13,200,000.
  
• April 26 – Mets reliever Alex Wood will miss at least 5 months with a torn back muscle.
  
• April 28 – Yankees reliever Jameson Taillon will miss 4-5 months with bone chips in his elbow.

[TribeTown]

Game #35 – May 1 – Pittsburgh 13, Arizona 1
The Pirates thumped the Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Masayoshi Oshima went 3-4 with a home run and a double, and drove in 5 runs. Oshima's 1st inning double put Pittsburgh on top 1-0. Brennan had 2 hits and drove in 3 runs. D. L. Hall improved to 6-0 on the season.
WP: D. Hall (6-0)
LP: E. Uceta (2-3)
Record: 24-11

Game #36 – May 2 – Pittsburgh 5, Arizona 2
Cole Cummings hit a 2-run double and Oswald Pereza had a 2-run single in the 1st inning to put the Pirates up 4-1. Justin Slaten pitched 7 strong innings, surrendering 4 hits while striking out 7 and walking 3.
WP: J. Slaten (2-2)
LP: L. Gil (1-3)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (10)
Record: 25-11

TRANSACTION: placed Brennan Davis on the 10-day injured list with a knee contusion. Recalled Joey Weimer from AAA Indianapolis.

May 3 – Off Day

Game #37 – May 4 – Cincinnati 5, Pittsburgh 2
Cincinnati won the 1st game of the series and the rain-soaked ballgame. Jonathan Cruz held the Pirates in check over 6.2 Innings of 3-hit ball. He's struck out 9 and walked 2. Austin Hendricks hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 5th to give the Reds the lead.
WP: J. Cruz (2-3)
LP: S. Bieber (4-4)
SV: R. Marinaccio (2)
Record: 25-12

Game #38 – May 5 – Pittsburgh 3, Cincinnati 2
Gabriel Arias hit a run-scoring single on the top of the 9th inning to put the Pirates on top 3-2. Roansy Contreras was outstanding, allowing 1 run on 1 hit over 6 innings.
WP: A. Cornielle (1-0)
LP: R. Suarez (2-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (11)
Record: 26-12

Game #39 – May 6 – Pittsburgh 7, Cincinnati 3
The Pirates took the rubber match behind another good performance Carter Smith, who improved to 3-0. Smith pitched 6 innings of 3-hit ball while striking out 10. Masayoshi Oshima drove in 3 runs and now has a major league-leading 39 RBIs.
WP: C. Smith (3-0)
LP: J. Boyle (3-3)
SV: A. Walters (2)
Record: 27-12

[TribeTown]

Game #40 – May 7 – Pittsburgh 5, Miami 0
D. L. Hall was masterful, pitching a 5-hit shutout. He struck out 8 and walked 2. Jace Jung got the Pirates off to a good start with a 2-run double in the 1st. Corbin Carroll hit a 2-run home run in the 7th.
WP: D. Hall (7-0)
LP: S. Carlson (3-4)
Record: 28-12

Game #41 – May 8 – Pittsburgh 5, Miami 3
Justin Slaten pitched the Pirates to their 4th win in a row, going 6 Innings and allowing 1 run on 3 hits. Corbin Carroll's run-scoring single in the 5th inning put Pittsburgh up 2-1.
WP: J. Slaten (3-2)
LP: S. Hentges (3-3)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (12)
Record: 29-12

Game #42 – May 9 – Pittsburgh 11, Miami 1
Shane Bieber was dominant, scattering 2 hits over 9 innings while striking out 12 in a complete game effort. Jace Jung's grand slam in the 2nd inning gave the Pirates a 4-1 lead. Cole Cummings hit a solo home run in the 3rd and Chase DeLauter added a 2-run single in the 7th.
WP: S. Bieber (5-4)
LP: M. Meyer (2-6)
Record: 30-12

TRANSACTION: Traded Ken Waldichuk to the NY Yankees in exchange for minor league 3B Mac Wagner. Wagner, a 2022 1st round draft pick, was assigned to Indianapolis.

Game #43 – May 10 – Pittsburgh 4, Atlanta 1
Chase DeLauter hit a 2-run double in the bottom of the 5th inning to put the Pirates ahead 3-0. Roansy had a solid effort, allowing 1 run on 5 hits over 7 innings.
WP: R. Contreras (3-3)
LP: K. Wright (4-3)
Record: 31-12

Game #44 – May 11 – Pittsburgh 4, Atlanta 3
Jace Jung's 2-run double in the bottom of the 2nd inning gave the Pirates a 3-1 lead. Jung drove in 3-runs on the day, and Pittsburgh held on to win their 7th game in a row.
WP: C. Smith (4-0)
LP: E. Perez (1-3)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (14)
Record: 32-12

Game #45 – May 12 – Atlanta 5, Pittsburgh 3
The Braves snapped the Pirates 7-game winning streak. Vaughn Grissom went 2-4 with a home run and 2 runs batted in for Atlanta. Spencer Strider pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 runs and earning the win.
WP: S. Strider (5-2)
LP: L. Ortiz
SV: D. Williams (9)
Record: 32-13

TRANSACTION: Optioned Bubba Chandler to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Brennan Davis and placed on the active roster.

[TribeTown]

Game #46 – May 13 – Milwaukee 8, Pittsburgh 6
Alex Mooney's RBI single to center in the bottom of the 5th put the Brewers up 6-5. Cal Raleigh, who had 3 hits on the day, hit a home run in the 7th to extend Milwaukee's lead. Joey Weimer hit a 3-run home run for the Pirates. Masayoshi Oshima hit his 11th home run of the season, and Drew Romo also went long.
WP: T. Hearn (2-0)
LP: T. Cosgrove (2-1)
SV: A. Perdomo (14)
Record: 32-14

Game #47 – May 14 – Pittsburgh 6, Milwaukee 2
Corbin Carroll had 4 hits, including three singles and a triple, and drove in 2 runs to lead the Pirates to the win.
WP: S. Bieber (6-4)
LP: C. Burnes (4-4)
Record: 33-14

Game #48 – May 15 – Pittsburgh 4, Milwaukee 2
Gabriel Arias had 3 hits, including an RBI double in the 2nd, to put the Pirates of 2-0. Corbin Carroll drove in 2 runs for Pittsburgh.
WP: R. Contreras (4-3)
LP: T. Rogers (1-5)
SV: A. Waters (3)
Record: 34-14

May 16 – Off Day

Game #49 – May 17 – Pittsburgh 1, LA Dodgers 0
Carter Smith was nearly unhittable as he outdueled Matthew Buchanan. Joey Weimer drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 8th for the only run of the game. Smith took a no-hitter into the 9th. Freddie Freeman singled with two outs in the 9th to break up the no-no. Smith struck out 11 and walked 1 in a complete game effort.
WP: C. Smith (5-0)
LP: M. Buchanan (3-5)
Record: 35-14

Game #50 – May 18 – Pittsburgh 6, LA Dodgers 5
Mashayoshi Oshima broke a 5-5 tie with a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th. Oshima drove in 3 runs on the day.
WP: L. Ortiz (2-2)
LP: A. Vesia (0-3)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (15)
Record: 36-14

Game #51 – May 19 – Pittsburgh 9, LA Dodgers 8
The Pirates scored 3 times in the bottom of the 8th, including a run-scoring single from Chase DeLauter that put Pittsburgh ahead 9-8, as the Pirates completed the sweep at PNC Park. The Dodgers fell to 19-32, and after the game they fired GM Brandon Gomes and manager Melvin Nieves.
WP: J. Attencio (3-0)
LP: J. Weisenburger (3-3)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (16)
Record: 37-14

[TribeTown]

Game #52 – May 20 – Philadelphia 10, Pittsburgh 9
The Pirates suffered their first big bullpen collapse of the season. Pittsburgh scored 8 times in the 1st, including a 3-run home run by Oswald Peraza The Pirates led 8-2 going to the bottom of the 8th, but the Phillies scored 3 times in the 8th and 5 times a 9th for an incredible walk off win. D'Shawn Knowles won the game with a bases-loaded walk.
WP: E. Diaz (1-4)
LP: A. Walters (0-2)
Record: 37-15

TRANSACTION: Traded C Carter Bins and P Eliecer Romero to Miami in exchange for P Joe Barlow. Optioned Alexander Cornielle to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #53 – May 21 – Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 3
Brad Keller picked well for the Phillies. D'Shawn Knowles hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 4th to put Philadelphia up 3-1. Pittsburgh had several chances to score but to not take advantage of those opportunities.
WP: B. Keller (7-3)
LP: R. Contreras (4-4)
SV: M. Abel (2)
Record: 37-16

Game #54 – May 22 – Pittsburgh 9, Philadelphia 7
The Pirates salvaged the final game of the series behind a strong performance by Masayoshi Oshima. Oshima went 2-5 with 2 home runs and drove in 7. Pittsburgh took a 9-4 lead on Oshima's 13th home run of the season, a grand slam, in the top of the 6th.
WP: J. Attencio (4-0)
LP: Z. Eflin (1-1)
SV: J. Barlow (1)
Record: 38-16

Games #55 – May 23 – Pittsburgh 8, Chicago 3
Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 3rd. It was a part of a 5-run inning which put Pittsburgh up 6-0. Chase DeLauter hit a 2-run double in the 7th to put the Pirates up 8 to 3.
WP: D. Hall (8-0)
LP: T. Walker (4-3)
Record: 39-16

Game #56 – May 24 – Chicago 8, Pittsburgh 5
Spencer Hower pitched 7 Innings to lead the Cubs to victory. Chicago scored 7 times in the 5th to take the lead as Justin Slaten completely fell apart.
WP: S. Howard (3-0)
LP: J. Slaten (3-3)
SV: D. Lesko (10)
Record: 39-17

Game #57 – May 25 – Pittsburgh 4, Chicago 1
The Pirates won the rubber match of the series behind an impressive start from Shane Bieber. Bieber pitched 6.2 innings, giving up 1 run on 5 hits.
WP: S. Bieber (7-4)
LP: T. Thomas (3-6)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (17)
Record: 40-17

TRANSACTION: Optioned Joey Weimer and Israel Pineda to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled Pete Crow-Armstrong and Mac Horvath to AAA Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

Game #58 – May 26 – Pittsburgh 3, San Diego 1
Blake Snell pitched well for the Padres, but Roansy Contreras and the Pirates bullpen pitched better. Contreras went five innings and allowed 1 run and 7 hits. Tom Cosgrove, Nick Nears, and Yerry De Los Santos combined for 4 shutout innings. Cole Cummings jacked a 2-run home run.in the top of the 4th inning to put Pittsburgh ahead 2-1. Mac Horvath hit a run-scoring double in the 5th, his 1st hit as a Pirate.
WP: R. Contreras (5-4)
LP: B. Snell (1-4)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (18)
Record: 41-17

Game #59 – May 27 – Pittsburgh 4, San Diego 3
Oswald Peraza's run-scoring single in the 7th inning broke a 2-2 tie, and Endy Rodriguez added an RBI single later in the inning.
WP: A. Walters (1-2)
LP: A. Morejon (3-5)
SV: J. Barlow (2)
Record: 42-17

Game #60 – May 28 – Pittsburgh 4, San Diego 0
Masayoshi Oshima hit 2 home runs and drove in 4 as the Pirates completed the sweep of the Padres. D. L. Hall pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits.
WP: D. Hall (9-0)
LP: Z. Gallen (2-4)
Record: 43-17

May 29 – Off Day

Game #61 – May 30 – Pittsburgh 13, Charlotte 0
The Pirates won their 5th game in a row, walloping the Brown Bears 13-0. Gabriel Arias had 4 hits in 4 bats, including a home run, a double, two singles, and a walk. He drove in 3 runs. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a grand slam in the top of the 7th, putting the Pirates ahead 9-0.
WP: J. Slaten (4-3)
LP: J. Odorizzi (0-2)
Record: 44-17

Game #62 – May 31 – Pittsburgh 5, Charlotte 2 (13 innings)
Jace Jung's solo home run in the top of the 9th tied the game at 2. Masayoshi Oshima drew a bases- loaded walk in the 13th to put the Pirates ahead. Pittsburgh's pitching was outstanding. Shane Bieber pitched 7 Innings allowing 2 unearned runs, and 4 relievers combined to shutout the Brown Bears over the last 6 innings.
WP: N. Mears (5-0)
LP: C. Hock (1-1)
SV: J. Barlow (3)
Record: 45-17

[TribeTown]

MAY 2026 IN REVIEW
The Pirates went 22-6 in May, and they have the best record in baseball at 46-17. Unfortunately, the St Louis Cardinals have the 3rd best record in baseball, so the Pirates lead the NL Central by just 6 games despite their impressive performance so far.

The Pirates are near the top and every offensive and pitching category. Masayoshi Oshima is having an MVP caliber season, and Corbin Carroll's not far behind. D.L. Hall and Carter Smith at both pitched at Cy Young levels so far.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB
The Mets (43-20) lead the NL East by 6 games over the Braves. Arizona (31-32) leads the worst division in baseball, the NL West, by 3 games over Colorado.

In the American League, the Yankees lead the East by 1 game over the Orioles, the Tigers lead the Guardians by 6 1/2 in the Central, and the Astros lead the Athletics by 6 games in the West.

• May 4 – Detroit 1B Spencer Torkelson will miss 4 months with a broken bone in his elbow. Atlanta P Mike Soroka signed a 7-year contract extension, earning $25,885,714 per year.
  
• May 6 – Cubs OF Seiya Suzuki had 6 hits in 8 at bats in a game vs the Rockies. Angels P/OF hot for the cycle as LA beat Tampa Bay 11-0.
  
• May 15 – Giants reliever Norwith Gudino's season ended with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow. San Antonio 2B Nico Hornet broke his kneecap and will also miss the rest of the season.
  
• May 21 – Charlotte SP Jesus del Bosque will miss 5 months with a torn labrum.
  
• May 25 – Colorado 1B Juan.Yepez hit for the cycle (going 5-5) as the Rockies beat the Nationals 11-9.
  
• May 27 – Washington traded minor league 33B Jesus Morales to the White Sox in exchange for RP Trevor Rosenthal. The Reds traded RP Scott Barlow to San Francisco for 3 prospects.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• May 11 – Bradenton 3B Xavier Casserilla (2024 2nd Round draft pick) was named Florida State League Player of Week after hitting .400 (8-20) with 2 home runs and 9 RBIs.
  
• May 18 – Bradenton 22B Juan Jeez was FSL Player of the Week after hitting .500 (7-14) with 1 home run and 7 RBIs.
  
• May 25 – Altoona CF Connor Todaro (2023 20th Round draft pick) was the Eastern League Player of the Week after going 11-24 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs.

[TribeTown]

Game #63 – June 1 – Pittsburgh 5, Charlotte 2 (10 innings)
The Pirates won their 7th game in a row behind good pitching by Roansy Contreras. Masayoshi Oshima's 10th inning sacrifice fly out Pittsburgh ahead 3-2. Cole Cummings hit a 2-run double later in the inning.
WP: A. Walters (2-2)
LP: V. Santos (0-7)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (19)
Record: 46-17

Game #64 – June 2 – Pittsburgh 7, Colorado 1
Cole Cummings's 10th home run, a 3-run blast in the 6th inning, put the Pirates ahead 4-1.
WP: C. Smith (6-0)
LP: D. Nunez (2-7)
SV: J. Barlow (4)
Record: 47-17

Game #65 – June 3 – Colorado 7, Pittsburgh 2
The Rockies broke Pittsburgh's 8 game winning streak. Jared Jones pitched 6.1 strong Innings, allowing 1 run on just 2 hits. Former Pirate Joshua Mears hit a 3-run home run in the top of the 1st as the Rockies scored 5 times off D. L. Hall, handing Hall his 1sr loss of the season.
WP: J. Jones (4-5)
LP: D. Hall (9-1)
Record: 47-18

TRANSACTION: Traded Liover Peguero and Sammy Sinai to Boston in exchange for Luis Arraez and minor league OF Konnor Griffin. The 20 year-old Griffin profiles to be an above average hitter with above average power and an adequate fielder.

Game #66 – June 4 – Pittsburgh 8, Colorado 3
Oswald Peraza has a bases-clearing double in the 1st inning to put the Pirates ahead early. Peraza finished with 3 hits on the day.
WP: J. Slaten (5-3)
LP: C. McMahon (3-2)
Record: 48-18

Game #67 – June 5 – Pittsburgh 5, San Francisco 3
Endy Rodriguez's run-scoring double in the top of the 4th put the Pirates ahead 2-1. Gabriel Arias added a 2-run single later in the inning.
WP: S. Bieber (8-4)
LP: J. Bergin (4-9)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (20)
Record: 49-18

TRANSACTION: Optioned Mac Horvath to AAA Indianapolis and recalled P Alexander Cornielle.

Game #68 – June 6 – San Francisco 5, Pittsburgh 2
Paul DeJong went 3-4 with a home run and a double, driving in 2, to lead the Giants to a win over the Pirates. Kyle Harrison went 6.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits.
WP: K. Harrison (4-7)
LP: R. Contreras (5-5)
SV: G. Santos (11)
Record: 49-19

Game #69 – June 7 – San Francisco 6, Pittsburgh 1
The Giants took the rubber match of the series behind an outstanding performance by Chris Bassitt. Luis Matos hit a 2-run triple off Carter Smith in the bottom of the 1st, putting the Giants ahead 2-0.
WP: C. Bassitt (5-3)
LP: C. Smith (6-1)
Record: 49-20

Game #70 – June 8 – Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 0
Corbin Carroll's 2-run single in the 4th inning put the Pirates up 4-0. Masayoshi Oshima added his 18th home run of the season in the 7th. D. L. Hall was excellent, allowing 5 hits over 6.1 shutout innings.
WP: D. Hall (10-1)
LP: A. Alzolay (3-2)
Record: 50-20

Game #71 – June 9 – Pittsburgh 4, St. Louis 0
The Pirates shut out the Cardinals for the 2nd straight day. Justin Slaten did the work this time, allowing 4 hits over 6 innings while striking out 9. Jace Jung went 3-4, including a 2-run home run in the 6th. He drove in 3 of Pittsburgh's 4 runs.
WP: J. Slaten (6-3)
LP: L. Giolito (8-5)
SV: J. Barlow (5)
Record: 51-20

Game #72 – June 10 – Pittsburgh 8, St. Louis 0
The Pirates completed a sweep of the 2nd place Cardinals and pitched their 3rd straight shutout. Shane Bieber allowed 5 hits over 7 innings. Gabriel Arias had the big hit of the game, a 5th inning grand slam, his 4th round-tripper of the season.
WP: S. Bieber (9-4)
LP: C. Mize (4-4)
Record: 52-20

June 11 – Off Day