Let's Go Bucs! A Pittsburgh Pirates Rebuild

[TribeTown]

I have been playing OOTP for years but have never posted anything before. I have enjoyed reading various posts on this site and decided to try my hand at posting myself as I take on the toughest challenge in sports -- building a consistently winning baseball team in Pittsburgh. The two franchises I am trying to emulate are Tampa Bay and Cleveland, who are able to stay competitive on a small budget and a small fan base almost every year.

The goal is to compete for a playoff spot by 2024. The plan is to build around pitching, defense, contact hitting, and speed.

Spring Training 2022

The Pirates made a blockbuster trade just prior to Opening Day, sending Brian Reynolds, Michael Burrows, Cam Alldred, Braxton Ashcraft and Rodolfo Nolasco to Miami in exchange for Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez, Bryan De La Cruz, Lewin Diaz, and Payton Henry.

Trading Reynolds was not a popular move with the Pirates fan base, although the acquisition of Pablo Lopez in particular did generate a positive response.

The Pirates might have been expected to trade Reynolds for a bevy of high level prospects, and they had two potential deals on the table. One was with Cleveland and would have netted Owen Miller, Gabriel Arias, George Valera, and a minor league pitcher in exchange for Reynolds and Quinn Priester. Atlanta was willing to trade Michael Harris, Drew Waters, Indigo Diaz, and a minor league pitcher, also for Reynolds and Priester. Miami's offer was too good to pass up, however – especially since the Pirates were did not want to trade Priester. Alcantara and Lopez can front the rotation for the next few seasons (Alcantara's long term contract is a minor concern with Pittsburgh's perennially tight budget), allowing some of their pitching prospects to fully develop before arriving in Pittsburgh. Alcantara immediately gives the Pirates an ace to build the rest of the team around.

Bryan De La Cruz is a young outfielder with a good bat who can play all three positions. and is a potential breakout candidate as he will get a chance to play every day. Scouting Director R. J. Harrison says that De La Cruz has us-us ability and a very smooth swing.

Payton Henry is an above average defender behind the plate and Scouting Director R. J. Harrison rates him as having above average power once he fully develops. He will split time with veteran Roberto Perez until the Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez are ready.

Diaz was once considered one of Miami's top prospects but has failed to hit at the major league level in limited trials. He is an excellent defender at first base.

Pittsburgh also agreed to two other significant trades. They sent Yoshi Tsutsugo to Seattle in exchange for Dylan Moore and Taylor Trammell. Pittsburgh also agreed to trade Ben Gamel to the Yankees in exchange for Estevan Florial.

Trammell is a former top prospect with the Reds and Padres, but has only had limited opportunities with the Mariners. He will have a chance to play everyday in Pittsburgh.

Moore is a super-utility guy with an average bat and some pop. His versatility (he has played every position except catcher) is one of his main attractions. His speed is an asset.

Florial has a ton of athleticism and a ton of power, but he also strikes out a ton and has not hit well in the minors. His tools are attractive however, and the Pirates will take a flyer and hope a change of scenery will help him put everything together. Scouting Director R. J. Harrison says Florial "has significant upside once he tops his raw power potential."

The Pirates were now ready for Opening Day in St. Louis.

Opening Day Lineup

Kevin Newman SS
Bryan De La Cruz RF
Ke'Bryan Hayes 3B
Daniel Vogelbach DH
Lewin Diaz IB
Josh Van Meter 2B
Roberto Perez C
Taylor Trammell LF
Travis Swaggerty CF
Sandy Alcantara P

Unfortunately mother nature did not agree, and the game was postponed due to weather.

[TribeTown]

Game #1 – Friday April 8 – St. Louis 6, Pittsburgh 2
After Opening Day was rained out, the Pirates and Cardinals finally got to start their seasons on Friday. The result was a disappointment for Pittsburgh as the Cardinals beat the Pirates 6-2. The Pirates managed just 4 hits against St. Louis pitchers.
WP – A. Wainwright (1-0)
LP – S. Alcantara (0-1)
SV – G. Gallegos (1)
Record: 0-1

Game #2 – Saturday April 9 – St. Louis 2, Pittsburgh 0
Pittsburgh's offense was shut down for the second straight day, held to just two hits by Jordan Hicks and 3 relievers.
WP – J. Hicks (1-0)
LP – P. Lopez (0-1)
SV – G. Gallegos (2)
Record: 0-2

Sunday April 10 – ppd.
Another rain out. The Pirates and Cardinals will play a day-night doubleheader on Monday.

Game #3 – Monday April 11 (1st game) – Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 2
Mitch Keller pitched 5 effective innings, the bullpen pitched well, and Bryan De La Cruz and Jake Marisnick both homered as the Pirates won their first game of the year.
WP – M. Keller (1-0)
LP– M. Mikolas (0-1)
SV – D. Bednar (1)
Record: 1-2

Game #4 – Monday April 11 (2nd game) – St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 3
The Cardinals won the nightcap behind the solid pitching of Steven Matz. Tyler O'Neill's 2-run double in the 3rd made it 3-0 St. Louis. Although the Pirates rallied in the 9th, scoring a pair of runs off of Genesis Cabrera to make it a 5-3 game, Giovanny Gallegos came in and induced Michael Chavis to hit into a double play to end the game.
WP – S. Matz (1-0)
LP – J. Brubaker (0-1)
SV – G. Gallegos (3)
Record: 1-3

[TribeTown]

Game #5 – April 12 – Pittsburgh 3, Chicago 2 (10 innings)
After dropping 3 of 4 games in St. Louis, the Pirates welcomed the Chicago Cubs to PNC Park for the home opener. Pirates fans were treated to an exciting game. Both teams managed to score only once through nine innings. Jonathan Viilar's single in the top of the 10th game the Cubs a 2-1 lead, but the Pirates tied it in the bottom of the inning when Travis Swaggerty singled home Taylor Trammell (the ghost runner). Then, after Kevin Newman struck out and Bryan De La Cruz singled to put runners at 1st and 3rd with 1 out, Ke'Bryan Hayes executed a perfect suicide squeeze to score Swaggerty for the walk-off win.
WP: D. Bednar (1-0)
LP: R. Wick (0-1)
Record: 2-3

Game #6 – April 13 – Pittsburgh 4, Chicago 3
The Pirates scored 3 times in the 4th (highlighted by Payton Henry's 2-run double) as Sandy Alcantara won his 1st game of the year. Bryse Wilson, Dillon Peters, Wil Crowe, and David Bednar combined to pitch 3.1 shutout innings as the Pirates swept the 2-game series and evened their record.
WP: S. Alcantara (1-1)
LP: D. Smyly (0-1)
SV: D. Bednar (2)
Record: 3-3

Game #7 – April 14 – Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2
The Pirates won their 3rd game in a row by a 3-2 score. Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th, Lewin Diaz hit his first home run of the season to tie the game. Diaz was at the plate to lead off the bottom of the 9th and delivered his second home run of the day for a walk-off win. "This place was rocking at the end," Diaz said after the game.
WP: D. Underwood (1-0)
LP: K. Finnegan (0-1)
Record: 4-3

Game #8 – April 15 – Washington 7, Pittsburgh 3
Juan Soto's grand slam in the top of the 5th inning gave the Nationals a 5-1 lead which the Pirates could not overcome.
WP: L. Verrett (1-0)
LP: M. Keller (1-1)
Record: 4-4

Game #9 – April 16 – Pittsburgh 4, Washington 2
J. T. Brubaker allowed just 3 hits over 5 innings (although he walked 4) and Daniel Vogelbach's solo shot in the bottom of the 4th gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead. Kevin Newman added an RBI double in the 5th.
WP: J. Brubaker (1-1)
LP: E. Fedde (0-2)
SV: D. Bednar (3)
Record: 5-4

Game #10 – April 17 – Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3
The Pirates won the series finale, again in dramatic fashion. With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 9th inning, Ke'Bryan Hayes (who was 3-5 with 2 RBI on the day) hit a run-scoring double off of Kyle Finnegan to send 16,929 Pirates fans home happy. It was their third walk-off win of the homestand. Pittsburgh's manager applauded the team's effort during the series. "They busted their tails out there," he said. The 6-4 Pirates then boarded their plane to fly to Milwaukee and take on the red-hot, first place Brewers, who boast the best offense (so far) in the National League.
WP: C. Stratton (1-0)
LP: K. Finnegan (0-2)
Record: 6-4

[TribeTown]

Game #11 – April 18 – Pittsburgh 5, Milwaukee 4 (11 innings)
Sandy Alcantara was outstanding, allowing just 2 hits over 6.2 innings. He struck out 4 but also walked 4. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the 9th before a Westin Wilson single off of David Bednar tied the game. Both teams were scoreless in the 10th before the Buccos scored 4 times in the top of the 11th. Daniel Vogelbach started the inning at second base. Lewin Davis was hit by a pitch. Roberto Perez followed with a single. Kevin Newman hit a grounder to short and Vogelbach was out at the plate, but then Michael Chavis walked to force in the go-ahead run. After Travis Swaggerty hit into a 6-2 fielder's choice, Diego Castillo singled and Bryan De La Cruz doubled to give Pittsburgh a 5-1 lead. The Brewers scored 3 times off of Heath Hembree in the bottom of the inning before Chris Stratton closed it out for the Pirates 3rd straight win.
WP: D. Bednar (2-0)
LP: A. Ashby (0-1)
SV: C. Stratton (1)
Record: 7-4

TRANSACTION – Placed OF Taylor Trammell on the 10-day injured list (strained rib cage muscle). Purchased the contract of Dylan Moore from AAA Indianapolis. Sent Roansy Contreras (out since March 5) to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab.

Game #12 – April 19 – Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 2
Kolten Wong's 2-run home run in the 3rd gave Milwaukee the early lead and Freddy Peralta pitched 5 innings of 1-hit ball as the Brewers edged the Pirates.
WP: F. Peralta (1-1)
LP: P. Lopez (0-2)
SV: J. Header (3)
Record: 7-5

Game #13 – April 20 – Pittsburgh 15, Milwaukee 6
Pittsburgh's offense exploded for 6 home runs (2 by Kevin Newman, 2 by Michael Chavis, and 2 by the recently promoted Dylan Moore) to win the finale 15-6. The Pirates left Milwaukee for the Windy City with an 8-5 record, ½ game behind the Brewers.
WP: M. Keller (2-1)
LP: E. Lauer (1-2)
Record: 8-5

TRADE – The Pirates traded Jose Quintana, Jared Jones, Nick Garcia, and Luis Oveido to Colorado in exchange for Ryan Vilade, Michael Toglia, and Yoan Valdez. Purchased the contract of Anthony Banda from AAA Indianapolis.

With the acquisition of Sandy Alcantara and Pablo Lopez, Quintana was pitching in long relief out of the bullpen and became expendable. After long negotiations, the Pittsburgh front office agreed to a trade with Colorado that netted three prospects. Vilade headlines the return. He has an above average bat with below average power. He is a potentially strong hitter. Although listed primarily as a third baseman, the Pirates will move him to the outfield full time. He has been assigned to AAA Indianapolis.

Joining him there is 1B prospect Michael Toglia, a 23 year-old switch hitter who plays plus defense and has tremendous power but below average contact ability (45 contact, 60 power).

16 year-old Valdez has good tools and was assigned to DSL. According to Scouting Director R. J. Harrison, Valdez "has a chance to be an above average hitter" with "enough raw power to turn into a true home run threat."

Game #14 – April 21 – Pittsburgh 9, Chicago 2
The hot hitting continued at Wrigley Field as the Pirates took the 1st game of the series 9-2, highlighted by Dylan Moore's 2nd inning grand slam. After 3 games with the Pirates, Moore already leads the team in home runs (3) and RBI (10). After the win, the Pirates moved into a first place tie with the Brewers (both teams 9-5).
WP: J. Brubaker (2-1)
LP: K. Hendricks (0-2)
SV: C. Stratton (2)
Record: 9-5

ANOTHER TRADE: Pittsburgh traded Trey McGaugh to Philadelphia in exchange for Alec Bohm.

The Pirates front office was surprised that Philadelphia was willing to trade Bohm, especially for such a relatively cheap price. He was the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2020 but struggled at the plate in 2021, and the Philadelphia staff seems to have lost faith in him. Bohm's power potential was too good to pass up, although his acquisition creates a logjam of 1B/DH types on the major league roster that will have to be sorted out soon (there is no way he will take Ke'Bryan Hayes's spot at 3B, although with Hayes going on the IL, Bohm will play there temporarily).

Game #15 – April 22 – Chicago 7, Pittsburgh 2
Frank Schwindel went 3-5 with a home run and 2 doubles to lead the Cubs while Marcus Stroman allowed just 1 hits over 5.2 innings. Both Ke'Bryan Hayes and Dillon Peters left the game with injuries. The only bright spot for the Pirates was that Bryan De La Cruz extended his hitting streak to 13 games.
WP: M. Stroman (1-1)
LP: Z. Thompson (0-1)
SV: D. Robertson (1)
Record: 9-6

TRANSACTION: Placed Ke'Bryan Hayes on the 10-day injured list (knee contusion). Placed Dillon Peters on the 15-day injured list (diagnosis pending). Placed Alec Bohm on the active roster. Purchased the contract of Jack Swuinski from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #16 – April 23 – Pittsburgh 6, Chicago 1
The Buccos rebounded with a nice win to take the 3rd game of the series. Alec Bohm hit the second pitch he saw as a Pirate into the Wrigley bleachers for this 1st home run. He finished 2-4 on the day and made a sparkling defensive play at third base to save a run. Michael Chavis added his 3rd home run of the season and Dylan Moore belted two more dingers to lead the offensive attack. Sandy Alcantara was outstanding, pitching a complete game (110 pitches) to improve to 2-1 on the season.
WP: S. Alcantara (2-1)
LP: D. Smyly (0-2)
Record: 10-6

Game #17 – April 24 – Chicago 5, Pittsburgh 4 (10 innings)
Sunday afternoon brought a devastating loss to conclude the series. Pablo Lopez cruised through 8 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 9. Lopez had thrown 103 pitches and, in a move widely second-guessed afterwards, the Pirates brought in Wil Crowe to pitch the 9th. Crowe proceeded to load the bases before Frank Schwindel hit a grand slam home run to tie the game at 4. The Cubs won it when Rafael Ortega singled home the ghost runner (Willson Contreras) for a walk-off win.
WP: R. Wick (1-1)
LP: D. Bednar (2-1)
Record: 10-7

TRANSACTION: Sent Sam Howard to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab. Option Max Kranick to AAA Indianapolis. Both players have been on the injured list since spring training.

April 25 – The Pirates have played 15 games in 14 days, so the team enjoyed an off day before opening a homestand versus Milwaukee and San Diego to close out the month.

TRANSACTION: Dillon Peters was diagnosed with a torn UCL and transferred to the 60-day injured list.

[TribeTown]

Game #18 – April 26 – Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 2
Milwaukee took the series opener by a score of 5-2. Corbin Burnes stymied the Pittsburgh offense, pitching 7 strong innings. Dylan Moore provided the only scoring for the Pirates with a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 6th inning.
WP: C. Burnes (3-0)
LP: M. Keller (2-2)
SV: D. Williams (2)
Record:10-8

Game #19 – April 27 – Pittsburgh 7, Milwaukee 6
The Pirates responded to win a back-and-forth game in the second game of the seires. Trailing 2-0, Pittsburgh scored 4 times in the 4th to take the lead. The Brewers scored three in the 5th and 1 in the 7th to retake the lead 6-4, but the Pirates responded with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. Daniel Vogelbach's 2-run home run, which passed just inside the left field foul pole and barely reached the seats, was the game winner. "I like the grit of this ballclub," Vogelbach said after the game.
WP: D. Underwood (2-0)
LP: J. Cousins (1-2)
SV: D. Bednar (4)
Record: 11-8

Game #20 – April 28 – Milwaukee 4, Pittsburgh 2
Brandon Woodruff allowed just 4 hits over 7 innings as the Brewers won the rubber match of the series. Zach Thompson left the game with an arm injury in the 4th inning.
WP: B. Woodruff (4-0)
LP: Z. Thompson (0-2)
SV: J. Hader (5)
Record: 11-9

Game #21 – April 29 – Pittsburgh 6, San Diego 3
San Diego (7-13) has really been struggling, and the Pirates took advantage, winning the series opener by a score of 6-3 as Sandy Alcantara won his 3rd game of the season. Travis Swaggerty went 3-4 with a home run, a 3-run shot in the bottom of the 2nd inning.
WP: S. Alcantara (3-1)
LP: J. Musgrove (0-2)
Record: 12-9

Game #22 – April 30 – Pittsburgh 5, San Diego 4 (12 innings)
Pittsburgh closed out the month with yet another walk-off win, their 4th. For the second time in a week, Pablo Lopez pitched magnificently, allowing 1 run on 4 hits over 6 innings. He left the game.with a 3-1 lead. For the second time in a week, the bullpen blew the lead and cost Lopez a win. This time, David Bednar, who was trying to secure a 4-out save, gave up a run on an infield single with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th. After both teams traded runs in the 10th, Bryse Wilson shut down the Padres in the top of the 11th. The Pirates loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the inning, but Ranger Suarez retired the next two batters without allowing a man to score. That left it up to Alec Bohm, who hit a routine grounder to third base. Manny Machado fielded the ball and uncorked a wild throw to first, allowing the winning run to score.
WP: B. Wilson (1-0)
LP: R. Suarez (0-2)
Record: 13-9

TRANSACTIONS: The Pirates claimed Danny Coulombe off waivers from Minnesota on April 30. Placed Jake Marsinick on the 10-day injured list with a tired arm. Placed Danny Coulombe on the active roster.

Optioned Cody Bolton and Lewin Diaz to AAA Indianapolis.

Decisions had to be made as rosters were reduced from 28 to 26 on May 1. Bolton was an easy choice. He can get regular work at Indianapolis and maybe be in a position to help the team.later in the season. The decision to demote Diaz was somewhat of a surprise, but the acquisition of Alec Bohm created a logjam of 1B/DH types (Vogelbach, Chavis, Bohm, and Diaz). Diaz has struggled at the plate (.192 BA, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .646 OPS) and Chavis and Bohm are both more versatile in the field.

Game #23 – May 1 – San Diego 6, Pittsburgh 0
The Padres snapped a six game losing streak as Sean Manaea pitched a gem (6 IP, 0 Runs, 5 Hits, 6 K, 2 Walks).
WP: S. Manaea (2-2)
LP: M. Keller (2-2)
Record: 13-10

TRADE: The Pirates traded Kyle Nicholas and Tony Blanco Jr to Arizona in exchange for Jake McCarthy and Dominic Canzone.

The Diamondbacks have a surplus of outfielders and the Pirates snagged one of them. McCarthy is a fourth outfielder type with a chance to be something more. He has speed, a good eye, and is an above average defender.

Canzone is an athletic outfielder with a good eye and above average power potential according to Scouting Director R. J. Harrison.

[TribeTown]

April Review

The Pirates surprised most people by playing winning baseball in April, finishing the month half a game behind the Brewers in the N. L. Central. The pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, has been very good and the offense has been opportunistic. It is a bit of a surprise to see that the Pirates rank 5th in the league in runs scored so far. They are 3-1 in extra inning games and 7-2 in one-run games. The biggest question is, can the Pirates keep this up?

Team Highlights:
– Bryan De La Cruz had a 15 game hitting streak
– Sandy Alcantara leads the National League in War with 1.2
– Starters ERA of 3.21 is 3rd in the National League. The team's 3.44 ERA ranks 6th.

This Month in Baseball

At 17-4 the Minnesota Twins have the best record in baseball and have opened up a 5 game lead in the A. L. Central. The Giants at 16-5 and Blue Jays at 15-7 are also off to great starts.

Trea Turner is on a (very early) triple crown watch. He leads the National League with a .378 batting average, is tied for 3rd with 7 home runs, and leads the league with 27 RBI.

On April 28th, Detroit's Miguel Cabrera got his 3000th hit in a 6-4 loss in Minnesota.

Down on the Farm

Cameron Junker of the Bradenton Marauders was named the top pitcher in the Florida State League (A). In 11 relief appearances, he compiled a 3-0 record, 2 saves, 22 strikeouts, and a 0.00 ERA in April.

On April 29, Tahnaj Thomas of the Altoona Curve (AA) totaled 15 strikeouts against Akron, allowing just 2 hits and walking none in a 5-0 win.

[TribeTown]

May 2 -- Off Day

TRANSACTION: May 3 – Optioned Miguel Yayure to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Ke'Bryan Hayes from the IL and placed on the active roster.

Game #24 – May 3 – Pittsburgh 7, Detroit 3
Daniel Vogelbach's 3-run home run in the 1st inning staked the Pirates to a 3-0 lead and then , after the Tigers tied it in the 4th, Pittsburgh scored 3 times in the 6th on singles by Dylan Moore and Josh Van Meter.
WP: J. Brubaker (3-1)
LP: J. Barnes (1-1)
Record: 14-10

Game #25 – May 4 – Detroit 6, Pittsburgh 5 (10 innings)
Austin Meadows went 3-5 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs to lead the Tigers. Detroit had a 5-2 lead going to the 8th, but the Pirates scored three times off of Andrew Chafin to tie the game in a pinch-hit single by Josh Van Meter and a 2-run triple by Kevin Newman. With two chances to score, the Pirates stranded Newman at third and Tucker Barnhart's double in the bottom of the 10th gave Detroit the win.
WP: G. Soto (2-2)
LP: D. Bednar (2-2)
Record: 14-11

TRANSACTION: Claimed Rafael Ortega from the Chicago Cubs.

Ortega played solidly for the Cubs last year but has struggled at the plate this year and ended up on waivers. The Pirates claimed him hoping he will be able to provide better offensive production than either Jake Marisnick or Travis Swaggerty have shown so far, although Ortega's defense is not quite as good as either of the other two.

May 5 – ppd.

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jack Suwinski to AAA Indianapolis and placed Rafael Ortega on the active roster.

Game #26 – May 6 – Pittsburgh 5, Cincinnati 2
Ke'Bryan Hayes's 2nd inning grand slam was the only offense the Pirates needed as Sandy Alcantara allowed 1 run on 5 hits over 6 innings.
WP: S. Alcantara (4-1)
LP: H. Greene (0-3)
SV: D. Bednar (5)
Record: 15-11

TRADE: The Pirates sent Hyo-jun Park, Braylon Bishop, Tahnaj Thomas, and Max Kranick to the Chicago Cubs, getting Manuel Rodriguez, Christopher Morel, and Alexis Hernandez in return. Assigned Christopher Morel to AAA Indianapolis.

Rodriguez has the potential to be a dominant backend reliever, but will need to improve his control to do so.

Morel is very athletic and can play any position in the

The Cubs signed Hernandez, one of the top international prospects, in January.

Game #27 – May 7 (1st game) – Pittsburgh 15, Cincinnati 0
Ke'Bryan Hayes hit another grand slam (2 in 2 days) during a 7-run 2nd inning as the Pirates routed the Reds in the 1st game of a doubleheader.
WP: P. Lopez (1-2)
LP: B. Williamson (0-2)
Record: 16-11

Game #28 – May 7 (2nd game) – Cincinnati 7, Pittsburgh 5
The Pirates scored 5 times in the 3rd inning (Ke'Bryan Hayes with a 2-run single) and held a 5-4 lead going to the bottom of the 8th before Pittsburgh's bullpen blew it. Colin Moran and Joey Votto to both singled off of Chris Stratton before Tyler Naquin hit a 3-run home run to give the Reds the lead.
WP: H. Strickland (1-1)
LP: Chris Stratton (1-1)
Record: 16-12

Game #29 – May 8 – Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 5
Tyler Mahle pitched well for the Reds. The Pirates scored 4 times in the 9th but could not complete the comeback.
WP: T. Mahle (2-2)
LP: J. Brubaker (3-2)
SV: C. Overton (1)
Record: 16-13

Game #30 – May 9 – LA 9, Pittsburgh 1
After Zach Thompson left the game with an arm injury with 2 outs in the 2nd inning, Dodger hitters beat up on the Pirates bullpen. Meanwhile Walker Buehler and 2 relievers shut down Pittsburgh's offense.
WP: W. Buehler (3-2)
L: W. Crowe (0-1)
Record: 16-14

TRADE: The Pirates traded Josh Van Meter to Tampa Bay in exchange for Ford Proctor.

This was simply to remove Van Meter (.170 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .610 OPS) from the roster and get something in return. Not many teams were interested in giving anything up for Van Meter, but Tampa Bay notably was. Proctor was the best prospect the Rays offered. Proctor is versatile defensively and has some power potential.

Game #31 – May 10 – LA 5, Pittsburgh 3
The Dodgers improved to 18-10 as the Pirates lost for the 4th straight day. Julio Urias pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits. Trailing 5-0, Michael Chavis hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 9th to make the game appear to be closer than it really was.
WP: J. Urias (6-0)
LP: S. Alcantara (4-2)
Record: 16-15

TRADE: Pittsburgh traded Kevin Newman and Victor Cabreja to Washington, getting Tanner Rainey and Matt Cronin in return. Placed Tanner Rainey on the active roster. Purchased the contract of Oneil Cruz from AAA Indianapolis.

Rainey is another great arm with questionable control for the bullpen. When he is on, he is virtually unhittable. Washington has put Rainey on waivers

A 4th round draft pick in 2019, Cronin appears to be on the fast track to the majors.

Trading Newman cleared room for the Pirates to recall Oneil Cruz. Cruz will play most days with Diego Castillo and Dylan Moore available to play shortstop when Cruz is not in the lineup.

Believing that they need to strengthen their bullpen, the Pirates hope that Rodriguez, Rainey, and Cronin add three young arms that will help this season.

TRANSACTION: Placed Zach Thompson in the 15-day IL with an elbow strain. Purchased the contract of Roansy Contreras from AAA Infianapolis.

Game #32 – May 11 – Pittsburgh 11, LA 3
The Pirates salvaged the final game of the series behind the hitting of Daniel Vogelbach, who went 3-4 with a triple and 2 singles, driving in 4. Ke'Bryan Hayes also had 3 hits and drove in 2. In his season debut, Oneil Cruz went 3-5, including a 2-run home run in the 6th inning.
WP: B. Wilson (2-0)
LP: T. Gonsolin
Record: 17-15

TRANSACTION: Sent Taylor Trammell and Jake Marisnick to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab.

Game #33 – May 12 – Cincinnati 10, Pittsburgh 3
The Reds got to Mitch Keller quickly as they built a 6-0 lead before the Pirates scored a run in the 4th inning.
WP: L. Costello (1-1)
LP: M. Keller (2-4)
Record: 17-16

Game #34 – May 13 – Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 4
Pittsburgh's struggles continued as the Reds beat the Pirates for the 2nd straight game. Tommy Pham's 3-run home run in the 7th gave the Reds a 6-1 lead. Although the Pirates scored 3 times in the bottom of the inning, Graham Ashcraft and Art Warren shut the door to preserve the Cincinnati win.
WP: T. Mahle (3-2)
LP: P. Lopez (1-3)
SV: A. Warren (7)
Record: 17-17

Game #35 – May 14 – Pittsburgh 8, Cincinnati 7
J. T. Brubaker was excellent (6.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) and the Pirates built a 7-1 lead before the Reds scored 5 times in the 8th inning off of Duane Underwood and Tanner Rainey. The Reds tied it in the 9th on a Tyler Stephenson single off of David Bednar. Rafael Ortega drew a walk from Graham Ashcraft to lead off the bottom of the 9th. Ortega advanced to second in a wild pitch and went to third on Dylan Moore's infield hit. With Alec Bohm at the plate, Ashcraft uncorked his 2nd wild pitch of the inning, allowing Ortega to score and giving the Pirates their 5th walk-off win of the season.
WP: D. Bednar (3-2)
LP: G. Ashcraft (0-2)
Record: 18-17

Game #36 – May 15 – Cincinnati 9, Pittsburgh 4
The last place Reds beat the Pirates for the 3rd time in the series behind the hitting of Mike Moustakas, who was 3-3 with 3 RBI. Leading 5-4 after 7 innings, the Reds scored 4 times in the 8th to put the game away.
WP: C. Overton (2-0)
LP: S. Alcantara (4-3)
SV: P. Diehl (1)
Record: 18-18

[TribeTown]

Game #37 – May 16 – Chicago 6, Pittsburgh 3
The Pirates traveled to Wrigley Field and quickly fell behind the Cubs, who scored twice in the 1st and once in the 2nd. The Pirates hung tough, and trailed 4-3 in the 8th before the Cubs put it away with 2 runs off of Chris Stratton.
WP: D. Smyly (1-2)
LP: R. Contreras (0-1)
SV: D. Robertson (3)
Record: 18-19

TRANSACTION: Optioned Travis Swaggerty to AAA Indianapolis. Purchased the contract of Taylor Trammell from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #38 – May 17 – Chicago 7, Pittsburgh 4
Frank Schwindel went 3-4 with a home run and 3 RBI as the Cubs won again. Tied at 3 in the 6th, the Cubs loaded the bases with nobody out, and Andrelton Simmons's single gave Chicago the lead. Mitch Keller was rocked again, allowing 7 runs in 5 innings of work.
WP: D. Norris (2-1)
LP: M. Keller (2-5)
SV: D. Robertson (4)
Record: 18-20

Game #39 – May 18 – Chicago 2, Pittsburgh 1 (11 innings)
The Cubs completed the sweep with an extra-inning win at Wrigley Field. Justin Steele and Pablo Lopez locked in a pitcher's duel which saw the Cubs take a 1-0 lead into the 9th inning. With 2 out, Payton Henry blasted a home run of Dave Robertson to tie the game. The score remained 1-1 until Jonathan Villar's sacrifice fly scored Yan Gomes for the walk-off win.
WP: C. Martin (1-0)
LP: T. Rainey (0-1)
Record: 18-21

May 19 – Off Day

Game #40 – May 20 – Pittsburgh 3, St. Louis 0
J. T. Brubaker was outstanding, pitching 6 shutout innings while striking out 6 and walking 1. Bryan De La Cruz put the Pirates ahead with a run-scoring single in the 2nd and Daniel Vogelbach added a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 8th.
WP: J. Brubaker (4-2)
LP: A. Wainwright (3-3)
SV: D. Bednar (6)
Record: 19-21

Game #41 – May 21 – St. Louis 3, Pittsburgh 1
Jordan Hicks outpitched Sandy Alcantara as the Cardinals took the second game of the series. Juan Yepez hit a solo home run in the 3rd inning to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead, and St. Louis added a run in the 4th on a Nolan Arenado single and another in the 7th. Daniel Vogelbach singled off of Giovanny Gallegos to lead of the bottom of the 9th and, after Oneil Cruz flied out to deep center, Diego Castillo doubled to pit runners at 2nd and 3rd. Michael Chavis followed with a sacrifice fly to score Vogelbach. Alec Bohm singled, sending Castillo to third, but then Nick Wittgren relieved Gallegos and struck out Dylan Moore singing to end the game.
WP: J. Hicks (3-1)
LP: S. Alcantara (4-4)
SV: N. Wittgren (1)
Record: 19-22

Game #42 – May 22 – St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 3
Andre Pallante shut down the Pittsburgh offense, carrying a perfect game into the 7th inning. With 1 out, Dylan Moore tripled, followed by an Alec Bohm single to make the score 5-1. Daniel Vogelbach greeted reliever Zach McAllister with a home run deep into the right field stands to make the score 5-3, but the Pirates could manage nothing more.
WP: A. Pallante (1-0)
LP: R. Contreras (0-2)
SV: G. Gallegos (10)
Record: 19-23

TRADE: May 23 – Pittsburgh traded Jake Marisnick to the Colorado Rockies, getting Alan Trejo in return. Marisnick needed to come off of injury rehab and the Pirates were not going to bring him back to the active roster. Trejo is a solid defensive second baseman with above average power. He projects more as a bench player (he can also play shortstop and third) than as a regular.

TRANSACTION: Optioned Taylor Trammel to AAA Indianapolis. Optioned Danny Coloumbe (0-0, 5.87 in 7.2 IP) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers. Optioned Wil Crowe to AAA Indianapolis. Purchased the contract of Michael Toglia (.265, 7 HR, 20 RBI, .901 OPS) from AAA Indianapolis. Purchased the contract of Matt Cronin and Sam Howard from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #43 – May 23– Pittsburgh 10, Colorado 3
Daniel Vogelbach went 2-4 and drove in 3 as the Pirates got to former teammate Jose Quintana (2.2 IP, 6 Runs allowed) early and cruised to a win over the Rockies. Michael Toglia got the start in leftfield and hit a single in his 1st major league at bat, finishing 3-4 with 2 RBI on the day.
WP: M. Keller (3-5)
LP: J. Quintana (1-3)
SV: C. Stratton (3)
Record: 20-23

Game #44 – May 24 – Colorado 6, Pittsburgh 5
On the strength of a 3-run home run by Oneil Cruz in the 1st inning, the Pirates carried a 5-2 lead into the 8th before the Rockies scored 3 times off of Tanner Rainey to tie the game. Kris Bryant's solo home run off of Anthony Banda in the 9th was the game-winner. Michael Toglia doubled in the bottom of the inning, but the Pirates couldn't bring him home.
WP: J. Alvarez (2-3)
LP: A. Banda (0-1)
SV: R. Stephenson (4)
Record: 20-24

Game #45 – May 25 – Pittsburgh 4, Colorado 1
The Pirates took the rubber match behind the strong performance of J. T. Brubaker, who allowed 1 run on 3 hits and struck out 5 in 6 innings of work. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 5th, Bryan De La Cruz doubled home the go-ahead run and Dylan Moore followed with a run-scoring single.
WP: J. Brubaker (5-2)
LP: K. Freeland (2-4)
SV: D. Bednar (7)
Record: 21-24

May 26 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

TRANSACTION: May 27– Placed Payton Henry (sore elbow) on the 10-day injured list. Purchased the contract of Michael Perez from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #46 – May 27 – Pittsburgh 4, San Diego 3 (11 innings)
Sandy Alcantara pitched well (7 IP, 2 R, 8H, 7K, 1 BB) but the bullpen could not hold a 3-2 lead as Eric Hosmer tied the game with a run-scoring single in the bottom of the 8th inning. The score remained 3-3 until newly-recalled Michael Perez stroked a RBI single off of Taylor Rogers in the 11th to put the Pirates ahead.
WP: D. Bednar (4-2)
LP: T. Rogers (2-4)
Record: 22-24

Game #47 – May 28 – San Diego 3, Pittsburgh 0
Old friend Joe Musgrove had a dominating performance, allowing just 3 hits over 6 innings. Pittsburgh's only real threat came in the 2nd when the Pirates had runners at 2nd and 3rd, but Musgrove got Diego Castillo to ground out to second.
WP: J. Musgrove (2-3)
LP: R. Contreras (0-3)
SV: T. Rogers (6)
Record: 22-25

Game #48 – May 29 – Pittsburgh 9, San Diego 2
The Pirates broke open a 2-2 tie with a 6-run 7th inning. Facing Jose Castillo, Michael Chavis led off the inning with a walk. Following a Roberto Perez sacrifice bunt, Bryan De La Cruz struck out after a 10-pitch at bat. Pierce Johnson relieved Castillo and walked Dylan Moore. Ke'Bryan Hayes singled home the go-ahead run. Oneil Cruz followed with a run-scoring single and Michael Toglia doubled home 2 more. Diego Castillo greeted reliever Nick Martinez with an RBI single. Chavis singled before Perez struck out to end the inning.
WP: D. Underwood (3-0)
LP: J. Castillo (0-2)
Record: 23-25

Game #49 – May 30 – Pittsburgh 9, LA 1
Oneil Cruz hit a 2-run home run in the 1st, the Pirates added 4 more runs in the 2nd (highlighted by Roberto Perez's 2 run homer), and Pablo Lopez held the Dodgers in check over 7 innings as the Pirates won their 2nd game in a row.
WP: P. Lopez (2-3)
LP: J. Urias (7-1)
Record: 24-25

TRANSACTION: Assigned Danny Coloumbe to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #50 – May 31 – LA 5, Pittsburgh 2
Tony Gonsolin pitched 5 shutout innings and Freddie Freeman went 3-5 with a 2-run home run in the 6th to give the Dodgers a 4-0 lead.
WP: T. Gonsolin (2-4)
LP: J. Brubaker (5-3)
SV: Kimbrel (13)
Record: 24-26

Game #51 – June 1 – LA 6, Pittsburgh 2
The Dodgers improved to 34-16 with a win over Pittsburgh. The Dodgers scored twice in the 7th and twice in the 8th.
WP: T. Kahnle (1-0)
LP: C. Stratton (1-2)
SV: D. Price (4)
Record: 24-27

June 2 – Off Day

[TribeTown]

MAY REVIEW

The Pirates were feeling pretty good about themselves after beating Cincinnati 15-0 in the 1st game of a May 7 doubleheader. Pittsburgh then lost 12 of their next 15 games before righting the ship, winning 2 of 3 from both Colorado and San Diego at the end of the month. Overall, the Pirates were 11-17 in May. They ended the month with a 24-26 record, 4 ½ games behind the Cubs (who have surged into a 1 game lead over the Brewers in the Central) but only 1 game out of the 3rd wildcard spot. Pittsburgh's Pythagorean record is 27-23, so the team is underachieving a bit.

The hitting has continued to be better than expected. The Pirates are tied for 4th in the NL with 230 runs scored. They are middle of the pack in most offensive categories. Their pitching was a little more inconsistent this month, and the bullpen in particular is a cause for concern. The defense is also a cause for worry as the Pirates rank 13th in defensive efficiency (.680) and 10th with a -3.1 zone rating. These numbers will need to improve. Michael Chavis (-2.1 ZR at 1st base) and Diego Castillo (-1.3 ZR at 2nd base) have provided below average defense in the infield, and Oneil Cruz is also below average at shortstop (-2.4 ZR – although he is an improvement over Kevin Newman's -4.0 ZR).

The young players have performed well so far. Oneil Cruz has burst upon the scene, batting .342 with 6 home runs and 16 RBI since his call up. He has a 1.078 OPS as the month ends. Michael Toglia has also done well, batting .269 with a home run and 5 RBIs (.905 OPS) in 8 games since his recall.

But what about Roberto Perez? Although his defensive ability is appreciated, as is his clubhouse leadership, he is batting just .104 with 1 home run and 3 RBI. His $5 million contract and nonexistent hitting makes it impossible to move him, leaving the Pirates little choice but to see if he can get his hitting back on track or release him and eat the contract.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ke'Bryan Hayes won player of the week honors on May 9. He batted .440 (11-25) with 2 home runs, 11 RBI, and 7 runs scored after his return from the IL.

THIS MONTH IN MLB BASEBALL

The Giants have the best record in baseball with a 34-14 record. They lead the Dodgers by 1 ½ games in the NL West. With a 30-20 record, Atlanta leads the NL East by 5 games. Over in the American League, Toronto leads the AL East by 3 ½ games, Minnesota continues its good play and leads the Central by 7, and the Angels have a 2 game lead over the Astros in the West. At 17-32, the San Diego Padres have the worst record in baseball, which is certainly not what Padres fans were expecting this year.

Trea Turner continues his impressive season. As May ends he is 3rd in batting average (.328, the leader is Arizona's Alec Thomas with .330), tied for 1st with 15 home runs, and leads the NL with 51 RBI (the next closest player is Mookie Betts with 40).

Andrew Heaney signed a 4 year, $36,000,000 contract extension with the Dodgers on May 2nd.

Ryan Pressly signed a 2 year, $23,000,000 extension with the Astros on May 4.

Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge both suffered injuries. Stanton will miss 4 weeks and Judge 3. Atlanta's Kyle Wright will also miss up to a month with a calf strain. Matt Olson suffered a oblique strain and will likewise miss a month. Kenley Jansen will miss a month with elbow inflammation.

DOWN ON THE FARM
Ryan Vilade is batting .292 with 4 home runs and 15 RBI at AAA Indianapolis. Ji-hwan Bae has also been impressive, batting .358 with 5 home runs and 16 RBI at Indianapolis. At AA Altoona, Nick Gonzalez is batting .274 with 9 home runs and 34 RBI.

[TribeTown]

TRANSACTION: Sent Greg Allen to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab.

Game #52 – June 3 – Arizona 5, Pittsburgh 2
Merrill Kelly held the Pirates to 2 runs over 5 innings and the Arizona bullpen pitched 4 scoreless innings as the Pirates lost their 3rd game in a row.
WP: M. Kelly (2-7)
LP: R. Contreras (0-4)
SV: M. Melancon (2)
Record: 24-28

Game #53 – June 4 – Arizona 4, Pittsburgh 2
Ketel Marte's 3-run home run in the 3rd inning was all the offense the Diamondbacks needed as Pittsburgh lost their 4th game in a row.
WP: L. Weaver (3-6)
LP: M. Keller (3-6)
SV: M. Melancon (3)
Record: 24-29

Game #54 – June 5 – Arizona 4, Pittsburgh 1
Pablo Lopez was terrific (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 4 K, 2 BB), but it was not enough as Arizona completed the 3-game sweep at PNC Park. Ketel Mare's home run off Lopez on the 6th broke a scoreless tie. The Pirates tied it in the bottom of the inning on a run-scoring double by Roberto Perez, but the Diamondbacks scored 3 times in the 8th off of Heath Hembree.
WP: O. Perez (5-2)
LP: H. Hembree
SV: I. Kennedy (1)
Record: 24-30

June 6 – Off Day
TRANSACTIONS: Optioned Michael Perez and Michael Chavis to AAA Indianapolis. Duane Underwood was designated for assignment and placed on waivers. Activated Payton Henry from the injured list and placed him on the active roster. Purchased the contract of Lewis Diaz and Estevan Florial from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #55 – June 7 – Pittsburgh 7, Detroit 4
Sandy Alcantara pitched 6 strong innings (2 R, 7 H, 7 K, 3 BB) as the Pirates snapped their 5 game losing streak. Pittsburgh scored 5 times in the 4th inning to take control of the game. Estevan Florial's single tied the game and Bryan De La Cruz followed with a 3-run home run. After the Tigers scored twice in the 7th to make it 5-4, the Pirates added 2 insurance runs on a Lewin Diaz double in the bottom of the inning.
WP: S. Alcantara (5-4)
LP: M. Manning (4-4)
SV: D. Bednar (8)
Record: 25-30

Game #56 – June 8 – Detroit 4, Pittsburgh 2
J. T. Brubaker pitched well (7 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 8 K, 2 BB) but Victor Reyes hit a solo home run in the 7th inning to break a 2-2 tie and send the Pirates to defeat.
WP: A. Lange (1-0)
LP: J. Brubaker (5-4)
SV. A. Chafin (8)
Record: 25-31

TRADE: The Pirates sent Michael Chavis, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Lonnie White to the NY Yankees in exchange for Ken Waldichuk, J. P. Sears, and Hans Montego.

Waldichuk is the prize. His stuff can be overwhelming at times and Scouting Director R. J. Harrison projects him to be a mid-rotation starter.

Sears is another pitching prospects with good stuff.

Montero is an 18-year old signed as an international free agent by the Yankees in January 2021. "He should control the strike zone well with great recognition of balls and strikes. As he develops he should be able to play the second base position at the next level. Montero has the potential to develop into a big league regular for the bulk of his career." Scouting Director R. J. Harrison gives Montero a 70 potential rating.

Game #57 – June 9 – Atlanta 5, Pittsburgh 1
Kyle Wright and Roansy Contreras locked in a classic pitcher's duel. The game remained tied 1-1 until Matt Olson hit a grand slam in the 8th to give the Braves the win. Roansy's tough luck season continues as he remains winless despite a 2.82 ERA.
WP: W. Smith (1-0)
LP: M. Cronin (0-1)
Record: 25-32

TRANSACTION: Assigned J. P. Sears and Duane Underwood to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #58 – June 10 – Atlanta 6, Pittsburgh 5
The Pirates lost again, although they made it close, scoring 3 on the 6th and 1 in the 7th on Estevan Florial's 1st home run since being recalled. "We're scuffling right now," Pittsburgh's manager said after the game.
WP: M. Fried (5-2)
LP: M. Keller (3-7)
SV: A. Minter (8)
Record: 25-33

TRADE: The Pirates traded Jack Carey, Osvaldo Bido, Chris Stratton, Miguel Yajure, and Rafael Ortega to Houston in exchange for Bryan Abreu, Chas McCormick, Christian Javier, and Forrest Whitely. Placed Javier, Abreu, and McCormick on the active roster. Optioned Sam Howard to AAA Indianapolis.

Javier has overwhelming stuff. He is a starter but will pitch in the bullpen for now.

Abreu has 4 pitches but struggles with control. He is also a potential starter who will be in the bullpen for now.

McCarthy was stuck in the minors with Houston. He has above average contact potential.

Whitely is a former top prospect who has suffered from injuries. He has great stuff but questionable control. If he can harness his control, Scouting Director R. J. Harrison believes he could become a solid starter, although his stuff may be better in relief.

Game #59 – June 11 – Atlanta 3, Pittsburgh 1
Newly- acquired Mike Clevinger was marvelous, outdueling Pablo Lopez (7.1 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 7 K, 1 BB). Pittsburgh's lone score came on Estevan Florial's 2nd home run.
WP: M.Clevinger (1-0)
LP: P. Lopez (2-4)
SV: A. Minter (9)
Record: 25-34

TRANSACTIONS: Placed Mike Toglia on the 10-day injured list (strained abdominal muscle). Purchased the contract of Jake McCarthy from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #60 – June 12 – Atlanta 3, Pittsburgh 2
The Pirates offense was largely absent again as Ian Anderson and the Braves bullpen outpitched Sandy Alcantara. Pittsburgh has lost 5 games in a row and 9 of 10.
WP: S. Newcomb (4-0)
LP: S. Alcantara (5-5)
S. Strider (1)
Record: 25-35

[TribeTown]

Game #61 – June 13 – Pittsburgh 2, St. Louis 1
Behind another solid pitching performance by J. T. Brubaker (6.1 IP, 1 R. 3 H, 6 K, 3 BB), the Pirates won a pitching duel at Busch Stadium. Daniel Vogelbach's 2-run home run in the top of the 6th inning broke a scoreless tie.
WP: J. Brubaker (6-4)
LP: M. Mikolas (3-8)
SV: D. Bednar (9)
Record: 26-35

Game #62 – June 14 – St. Louis 4, Pittsburgh 3
The Pirates got a sterling pitching performance from Roansy Contreras, who allowed just 3 hits over 6.2 innings of shutout ball, but the bullpen blew a 3-0 lead. Tyler O'Neill's RBI groundout in the bottom of the 9th gave the Cardinals a walk-off win.
WP: M. Libertore (3-3)
LP: D. Bednar (4-3)
Record: 26-36

Game #63 – June 15 – Pittsburgh 9, St. Louis 3
The Pirates scored 3 in the 5th and 4 in the 6th to break open a 1-1 game and win the rubber match in St. Louis.
WP: M. Keller (4-7)
LP: A. Wainwright (4-7)
Record: 27-36

June 16 – Off Day

Game #64 – June 17 – San Francisco 6, Pittsburgh 2
The Giants scored 4 times in the 5th, highlighted by Brandon Crawford's 2 -run home run, to win the series opener in Pittsburgh. Entering the game leading the NL in ERA, Pablo Lopez was rocked for 6 runs (including 3 Giant home runs) in 5.1 innings.
WP: C. Martinez (1-0)
LP: P. Lopez (2-5)
Record: 27-37

Game #65 – June 18 – Pittsburgh 11, San Francisco 2
Daniel Vogelbach went 3-5 with a home run, driving in 3 runs and leading an offensive explosion for Pittsburgh. Dylan Moore and Ke'Bryan Hayes also hit home runs for the Pirates, while Sandy Alcantara turned in another fine performance (7 IP, 2 R, 5H, 8K, 2 BB).
WP: S. Alcantara (6-5)
LP: A. DeSclafani (3-3)
Record: 28-37

Game #66 – June 19 – San Francisco 3, Pittsburgh 2
The Pirates couldn't get much going against Alex Cobb, who carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning. J. T. Brubaker was equally impressive. Brubaker had a perfect game entering the 6th before walking Joey Bart and then surrendering a 2-run home run to Austin Slater. Lewin Diaz's 2-run in the bottom of the 9th inning made it a 1-run game, but Jake McGee slammed the door on any further rally.
WP: A. Cobb (5-3)
LP: J. Brubaker (6-5)
SV: J. McGee (17)
Record: 28-38

Game #67 – June 20 – Pittsburgh 10, Chicago 0
The Pirates entered the game in last place in the Central Division, but only 7 ½ games behind the 1st place Chicago Cubs. Roansy Contreras won his 1st game of the season. He allowed no runs on 4 hits over 8 innings, striking out 9 and walking 2.
WP: R. Contreras (1-4)
LP: W. Miley (2-1)
Record: 29-38

TRADE: The Pirates traded Greg Allen, Heath Hembree, and Cole Tucker to Toronto for Nate Pearson, Adam Kloffenstein, and Spencer Horwitz. Placed Pearson on the active roster. (As a side note, this is one of those trades that I don't understand. Toronto was willing to trade Pearson for Allen straight up when I shopped Allen, but that wouldn't be likely in reality.)

Game #68 – June 21 – Pittsburgh 7, Chicago 2
Knowing that recent acquisitions made his spot in the rotation precarious, Mitch Keller pitched his finest game of the season (6 IP, 1 R, 4H, 3K, 1BB).
WP: M. Keller (5-7)
LP: K. Hendricks (3-6)
Record: 30-38

Game #69 – June 22 – Chicago 5, Pittsburgh 0
Marcus Stroman was dominant and Pablo Lopez had another rough outing (4 runs allowed) before leaving the game in the 6th inning with an arm injury.
WP: M. Stroman (6-3)
LP: P. Lopez (2-6)
SV: R. Wick (13)
Record: 30-39

Game #70 – June 23 – Pittsburgh 4, Chicago 2
The Pirates took 3 out of 4 from the 1st place Cubs. Daniel Vogelbach's 3-run home run in the 1st inning gave the Pirates the early lead. Despite their poor record over the past month, Pittsburgh is only 5 ½ games behind after this win.
WP: S. Alcantara (7-5)
LP: A. Alzolay (0-1)
SV: D. Bednar (10)
Record: 31-39

TRANSACTION: Placed Pablo Lopez on the 15-day Injured List (strained forearm). Purchased the contract of J. P. Sears from AAA Indianapolis.

Activated Michael Toglia from the Injured List and placed him on the active roster. Optioned Jake McCarthy to AAA Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

Game #71 – June 24 – Tampa Bay 6, Pittsburgh 2
Shane McClanahan had a solid start for the Rays and Mike Zuninio had a big 3-run home run in the bottom of the 4th inning to break open a 2-1 game. Nate Pearson (replacing the injured Pablo Lopez on the rotation) struggled on his 1st start for the Pirates.
WP: S. McClanahan (7-6)
LP: N. Pearson (0-1)
SV: J. Springs (2)
Record: 31-40

Game #72 – June 25 – Tampa Bay 6, Pittsburgh 4
Trailing 4-1 in the 5th, the Rays scored 4 times to beat the Pirates.
WP: R. Yarbrough (8-4)
LP: J. Brubaker (6-6)
SV: A. Kittredge (19)
Record: 31-41

Game #73 – June 26 – Pittsburgh 7, Tampa Bay 4
Oneil Cruz broke an 0-19 slump with a 3-run home run in the 1st inning as the Pirates salvaged a win at Tropicana Field. Roansy Contreras won his 2nd game, although his streak of 21 consecutive scoreless innings was snapped in the 2nd.
WP: R. Contreras (2-4)
LP: C. Kluber (5-3)
SV: D. Bednar (11)
Record: 32-41

Game #74 – June 27 – Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2 (10 innings)
Bryan De La Cruz's run-scoring double in the top of the 10th inning gave the Pirates a win in a low-scoring affair at Nationals Park.
WP: B. Wilson (3-0)
LP: W. Harris (1-2)
SV: D. Bednar (12)
Record: 33-41

TRANSACTION: Assigned Spencer Horwitz to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #75 – June 28 – Pittsburgh 4, Washington 0
In another tense game in Washington, Bryan De La Cruz broke a scoreless tie when he smashed his 10th home run of the season in the top of the 8th inning. Sandy Alcantara was outstanding (7 IP, 0 R, 5H, 6 K, 3 BB).
WP: S. Alcantara (8-5)
LP: S. Doolittle (1-3)
SV: T. Rainey (1)
Record: 34-41

Game #76 – June 29 – Pittsburgh 5, Washington 2
Estevan Florial went 3-4 to lead the Buccos. After Diego Castillo tied the game with a pinch hit single in the top of the 7th inning, Florial hit a 2-run home run to give Pittsburgh the lead.
WP: J. Sears (1-0)
LP: A. Sanchez (2-4)
SV: D. Bednar (13)
Record: 35-41

Game #77 – June 30 – Pittsburgh 2, Milwaukee 0
The Pirates closed the month with their 5th straight win as J. T. Brubaker allowed just 1 hit over 6 shutout innings and Alec Bohm's 2-run home run in the bottom of the 6th inning provided the only offense needed in another low-scoring game.
WP: J. Brubaker (7-6)
LP: A. Ashby (5-4)
SV: D. Bednar (14)
Record: 36-41

[TribeTown]

JUNE REVIEW

The Pirates went 12-15 in June, but ended the month on a strong note with a five game winning streak. With an overall record of 36-41, Pittsburgh trails the division-leading Cubs by 7 games. They are currently 5 ½ games out of the 3rd wild card slot. The Pirates continue to play well below their Pythagorean record (42-35).

The pitching staff is the strength of the team. They rank 3rd in the NL with a 3.60 ERA. The starters rank 3rd with an ERA of 3.52. The bullpen has stabilized somewhat over the second half of the month. The bullpen's 3.72 ERA ranks 10th in the NL. Overall, the staff has allowed just 65 home runs for the season, which is tied for 1st.

The offense sits middle of the pack (8th in batting average, 9th in on-base percentage, 8th in OPS, 9th in runs-scored). Pittsburgh's overall base running rating of +7.6 ranks 2nd in the NL.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Roansy Contreras had a 21-inning shutout streak. (The Pirates record belongs to Jack Chesbro, who pitched 41 consecutive scoreless innings in 1902.)
• Although his record doesn't reflect how well he has pitched, and he doesn't have enough innings to qualify among the league leaders, Roansy Contreras ends they month with a 2-4 record and a 2.11 ERA.
  
• Ke'Bryan Hayes ranks 5th in the NL with a .300 batting average, 7th with a .378 on base percentage, and 5th among batters with 2.7 WAR.
  
• Bryan De La Cruz leads the NL in at bats and is 3rd with 101 hits.
  
• Dylan Moore is tied for 3rd in the NL with 12 stolen bases.
  
• Sandy Alcantara is 6th in the NL and with 8 wins, 7th with 2.85 ERA, and 4th among pitchers with 2.3 WAR. He is 2nd in the league with 101 innings pitched. His 3.23 FIP ranks 6th. Pedro Lopez ranks 8th in FIP at 3.33.
  
• Alcantara leads the NL with 11 quality starts. Pablo Lopez and J. T. Brubaker are also among the league leaders, both with 9.

THIS MONTH IN MLB BASEBALL

San Francisco continues to have the best record in baseball at 51-23. They lead the Dodgers by 2 ½ games in the NL West. The Braves (43-34) have a half game lead over the Mets in the East, with the Phillies 1 ½ games behind.

In the American League, Toronto (47-29) has a 4 ½ game lead over the Yankees in the East, Minnesota (47-32) leads the Central by 2 games over Cleveland, and the Angels are 2 up on the Astros.

At 29-47, the Colorado Rockies have the worst record in baseball. The Orioles (30-47) are only a ½ game better.

Trea Turner continues to lead the NL with a .340 average (Paul Goldschmidt is next at .325) and has 67 RBI (11 ahead of Mookie Betts), but has fallen to 4th in home runs with 20, 6 behind Kyle Schwarber.

• The biggest trade of the year (so far) took place on June 9 when Atlanta acquired Mike Clevinger (2-2, 4.09 ERA in 7 starts) in exchange for minor leaguers Ambioris Tavarez, Bryce Elder, Tyler Tolve, and Freddy Tarnok.
  
• San Diego's Jake Cronenworth suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon on June 11 and will miss the rest of the season.
  
• The Braves swung another big deal, acquiring Jesse Winkler from the Mariners on June 25th in exchange for Huascar Ynoa and minor leaguer Efrain Polanco

.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Altoona's Noe Troibio was named Eastern League pitcher of the month after going 3-0 with a 3.06 ERA in June. Overall, Toribino was 6-1 with a 3.21 ERA for Altoona before earning a promotion to Indianapolis.

Ji-hwan Bae continues to impress at Indianapolis. He is batting .293 with 10 HR and 28 RBI (.889 OPS) at Indianapolis.

Jared Triolo is also raking at Indianapolis. He is batting .295 with 13 HR and 45 RBI (.854 OPS)

Top catching prospect Endy Rodriguez is batting .277 with 11 HR and 35 RBI (.819 OPS) at AA Altoona.

Nick Gonzalez was hitting .284 with 16 HR and 51 RBI (.882) at Altoona before he earned a promotion to Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

Game #78 – July 1 – Milwaukee 8, Pittsburgh 6
The Pirates quickly fell behind 4-0 in the 2nd inning, but battled back to take a 6-4 lead in the 5th. But in the 6th inning the Brewers scored 4 times off of Bryse Wilson to secure the win.
WP: E. Lauer (4-5)
LP: B. Wilson (3-1)
SV: J. Hader (21)
Record: 36-42

TRANSACTION: Placed Ke'Bryan Hays on the 10-day Injured List (strained rib cage muscle). Purchased the contract of Ji-hwan Bae from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #79 – July 2 – Pittsburgh 3, Milwaukee 1
Michael Toglia and Lewin Diaz hit back-to-back home runs in the 2nd inning and Mitch Keller pitched 8.1 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, as the Pirates won a close game at PNC Park. Diaz added another run with this 2nd home run of the game in the bottom of the 8th.
WP: M. Keller (6-7)
LP: C. Burnes (7-5)
SV: D. Bednar (15)
Record: 37-42

TRANSACTION: Cody Bolton and Nick Mears designated for assignment and placed on waivers, Optioned Blake Cederlind to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #80 – July 3 – Pittsburgh 2, Milwaukee 1
Roberto Perez's solo home run in the bottom of the 5th inning was the difference in this tight contest at PNC Park.
WP: S. Alcantara (9-5)
LP: B. Woodruff (8-5)
SV: D. Bednar (16)
Record: 38-42

TRANSACTION: Sent Zach Thompson to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab.

July 4 – Off Day

TRANSACTION: Placed Oneil Cruz on the 10-day Injured List (fractured rib). Purchased the contract of Taylor Trammel from AAA Indianapolis. Cruz is expected to miss up to 6 weeks.

Game #81 – July 5 – NY Yankees 7, Pittsburgh 5
Pittsburgh blew a 4-0 lead as the Yankees scored 4 times in the 6th inning and 3 times in the 7th to win the opener of this short, 2-game series.
WP: C. Green (3-1)
LP: B. Wilson (3-2)
SV: A. Chapman (21)
Record: 38-43

Game #82 – July 6 – Pittsburgh 3, New York 2
J. T. Brubaker had another strong start (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K, 2 BB) and Estevan Florial came through in the clutch, hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th inning.
WP: M. Cronin (1-1)
LP: R. Marinaccio (2-3)
Record: 39-43

Game #83 – July 7 – Cincinnati 12, Pittsburgh 2
The Pirates were at Great American Ballpark for a make-up game and got pounded by the Reds. Mike Moustakas went 3-4 with a home run and 2 doubles, driving in 7 runs.
WP: C. Overtown (3-0)
LP: R. Contreras (2-5)
Record: 39-44

Game #84 – July 8 – Milwaukee 7, Pittsburgh 6
Estevan Florial's 3-run home run in the top of the 7th inning gave the Pirates a 6-4 lead, but the Brewers scored 3 times in the bottom of the inning off of Bryse Wilson to retake the lead.
WP: J. Hintzen (2-1)
LP: B. Wilson (3-3)
SV: J. Hader (23)
Record: 39-45

Game #85 – July 9 – Milwaukee 4, Pittsburgh 3
Estevan Florial hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 8th inning to give the Pirates a 3-2 lead, but Mauricio Dubon hit a 2-run home run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th to give the Brewers a walk-off win.
WP: A. Perdomo (1-0)
LP: D. Bednar (4-4)
Record: 39-46

TRANSACTION: Assigned Sam Howard and Cody Bolton to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #86 – July 10 -- Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 2
In what is becoming a frustrating pattern, the Pirates bullpen blew another late lead. Milwaukee scored twice in the bottom of the 8th inning to sweep the series.
WP: A. Perdomo (2-0)
LP: T. Rainey (0-2)
SV: J. Hader (24)
Record: 39-47

TRADE: The Pirates traded Po-Yu Chen, Omar Cruz, and Daniel Amoral to the San Diego Padres, getting Austin Nola, Tom Cosgrove, and Jose Quezada in return.

Nola will give Pittsburgh an offensive upgrade at catcher. He is also a good first baseman and can also play the other 3 infield positions. In addition, he will add leadership in the locker room.

Cosgrove and Quezada are both hard-throwing bullpen options.

TRANSACTIONS: Activated Pablo Lopez from the Injured List and placed on the active roster. Optioned J. P. Sears to AAA Indianapolis. Designated Michael Perez and Blake Cederlind for assignment and placed on waivers. Assigned Tom Cosgrove and Jose Quezada to AAA Indianapolis.

DRAFT
Round 1 – 3B Jace Jung (#4)
There were other players the Pirates were interested in (Elijah Green, for example) on the board, but their expected signing costs were prohibitive. Jung is projected to be an above average hitter. If he fulfills his potential, R. J. Harrison believes he could make multiple trips to the All-Star Game. Projected 60 contact, 60 power, 65 Eye, 75 overall potential.
Supplemental Pick – C Adonys Guzman (#36)
Guzman is a premier defensive catcher who needs to improve offensively. Potential 55 contact, 55 power, 60 eye, 75 overall potential. 55 catcher rating and 75 arm.
Round 2 – 3B Tucker Toman (#44)
Toman is an 18 year old third baseman who is a plus contact hitter with the potential to hit the ball out of the ballpark every time he comes to the plate. Potential 65 contact, 65 power, 55 eye, 65 overall potential.
Round 3 – SP Sam Horn (#83)
Horn is a 2-way player who also has the opportunity to play QB at Missouri. His upside is as a #1 starter. Potential 65 fastball, 80 curveball, 60 change up, 65 stuff. Overall potential rating of 65.
Round 4 – CF Korbyn Dickerson's (#110)
An athletic center fielder who can impact the game with his speed and projects to be an above average center fielder. Potential 55 contact, 55 power, 55 eye, 60 overall potential. 75 speed and stealing.
Round 5 – SP Ethan Patera (#140)
R. J. Harrison projects Parera to be a solid #3 starter or better. Potential 60 fastball, 60 sinker, 60 change up and 55 slider, 55 stuff. Overall potential rating 55.
Round 6 – SP Oliver Santos
Round 7 – SP Collin McKinney
Round 8 – C. A. J. Shepard
Round 9 – SP Isaiah Lowe
Round 10 – SP Carson Turnquist
Round 11 – C Logan Sauve
Round 12 – SS Bryant Zayas
Round 13 – SP Aiden Weaver
Round 14 – 3B Ben Barrett
Round 15 – SP Evan Dobias
Round 16 – CF Giullianno Allende
Round 17 – SP Jacob Meador
Round 18 – C Simon Reid
Round 19 – SP Marcos Fuentes
Round 20 – SP Chris Stuart

[TribeTown]

Game #87 – July 11 – Miami 4, Pittsburgh 3
Pittsburgh built a 3-1 lead on the strength of an Alec Bohm 2-run home run as Pedro Lopez returned from the injured list. After pitching 5 shutout innings, the Marlins got to Lopez in the 6th, scoring 3 times and holding on for the win. It was the 5th straight loss for the Pirates.
WP: J. Brigham (4-2)
LP: P. Lopez (2-7)
SV: J. Barlow (9)
Record: 39-48

TRADE: Traded Joquin Tejada, Jake McCarthy, and J. C. Flowers to Washington in exchange for Josh Bell and $6 million cash. Placed Josh Bell on the active roster. Optioned Lewin Diaz to AAA Indianapolis.

In a move that surprised most observers, the Pirates made their 2nd major trade in less than 24 hours, reacquiring Josh Bell to play first base and strengthen their lineup. The Pirates, of course, traded Bell to Washington a year and a half earlier. Bell will be a free agent at the end of the season and there is no expectation that the Pirates will re-sign him. But, hanging on the fringes of the playoff race, the Pirates went after Bell aggressively when the Nationals put him on the trade block. He will strengthen another weak spot in the lineup as Pittsburgh has signaled they will make a push for the playoffs. The deal was possible because Washington included $6 million in cash to offset the remainder of Bell's salary.

(Whether this works or not as far as going for the playoffs, recent acquisitions along with the team's competitiveness and gritty play has caused fan interest in Pittsburgh to rise from 41 to 57, which will help with attendance and by extension profit, if nothing else.)

Game #88 – July 12 – Pittsburgh 6, Miami 1
Estevan Florial went 2-3 with a home run and 3 RBI as the Pirates snapped their losing streak. Pittsburgh scored 5 times in the 2nd inning on Daniel Vogelbach's 2-run single and Florial's 3-run home run. J. T. Brubaker was magnificent again (7 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 5 K, 1 BB).
WP: J. Brubaker (8-6)
LP: C. Poteet (0-1)
Record: 40-48

Game #89 – July 13 – Miami 2, Pittsburgh 1 (10 innings)
Roansy Contreras was outstanding, pitching 6.1 shutout innings and striking out 10. Bryan De La Cruz's run-scoring single in the 2nd inning gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead, which the held until Jesus Sanchez tied the game with a solo home run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th. Jacob Stalling's double in the 10th gave Miami the walk-off win.
WP: J. Barlow (2-5)
LP: C. Javier (0-1)
Record: 40-49

TRADE: Traded Bryse Wilson, Danny Coloumbe, Jake Sweeney, and Franscisco Acuna to San Diego in exchange for Taylor Rogers and Aldo Lejia. Placed Rogers on the active roster. Assigned Michael Perez and Blake Cederlind to AAA Indianapolis.

To continue to strengthen the bullpen, which has been another weakness, the Pirates acquired Rogers, who is one of the top closers in the league. He is also a free agent at the end of the season and probably won't be re-signed. This is another signal that the Pirates will aggressively push for a playoff spot, although it is only in the weak N. L. Central that they would still be able to talk about a playoff spot with a 40-49 record. Rogers and David Bednar will share late-inning duties.

Leija is an 18 year old pitcher who has the potential to develop into a mid-rotation starter according to Scouting Director R. J. Harrison.

Game #90 – July 14 – Miami 8, Pittsburgh 5
Sixto Sanchez pitched 5 shutout innings and the Marlins scored 6 times in the 4th inning off of Sandy Alcantara, who suffered through his worst start of the year against his former team.
WP: S. Sanchez (2-4)
LP: S. Alcantara (9-6)
SV: J. Barlow (10)
Record: 40-50

Game #91 – July 15 – Pittsburgh 3, Colorado 2
Taylor Trammell hit a bases-clearing triple in the 2nd and Nate Pearson made it stand up with 6 strong innings of work.
WP: N. Pearson (1-1)
LP: K. Freeland (4-8)
SV: T. Rogers (1)
Record: 41-50

Game #92 – July 16 – Pittsburgh 13, Colorado 1
Daniel Vogelbach's single in the 1st inning gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead and the Pirates never looked back. Bryan De La Cruz had 2 hits and 3 RBI. Pablo Lopez shut down the Colorado offense over 6 strong innings.
WP: P. Lopez (3-7)
LP: P. Lambert (1-2)
Record: 42-50

Game #93 – July 17 – Colorado 7, Pittsburgh 4
The Rockies salvaged the final game of the series behind the pitching of Tyler Anderson.
WP: T. Anderson (2-1)
LP: J. Brubaker (8-7)
Record: 42-51

[TribeTown]

ALL STAR BREAK

Ke'Bryan Hayes earned the start at 3B but did not play due to his injury. Josh Bell was also chosen for the NL team, although he did not play in the game. The NL beat the AL 2-1.

Quinn Priester was chosen to participate in the prospects game.

Vlad Guerrero of the Toronto Blue Jays won the HR Derby.

TRANSACTIONS: Placed Austin Nola on the active roster. Lewin Diaz was designated for assignment and placed on waivers. Optioned Payton Henry to AAA Indianapolis.

Assigned Lewin Diaz to AAA Indianapolis. Optioned Taylor Trammell to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Injured List and placed on the active roster.

Game #94 – July 22 – Pittsburgh 10, Miami 4
The Pirates got the second half off to a good start, scoring 6 times in the bottom of the 1st inning. Ke'Bryan Hayes hit a 2-run home run off of Sixto Sanchez. Dylan Moore followed with a 2-run double ans Ji-hwan Bae added a 2-run single. Sandy Alcantara pitched 6 shutout innings.
WP: S. Alcantara (10-6)
LP: S. Sanchez (2-5)
Record: 43-51

Game # 95 – July 23 – Pittsburgh 4, Miami 2
Daniel Vogelbach's solo home run in the 5th inning broke a 2-2 tie as the Pirates won again.
WP: R. Contreras (3-5)
LP: M. Meyer (2-5)
SV: T. Rogers (2)
Record: 44-51

Game #96 – July 24 – Miami 4, Pittsburgh 2 (10 innings)
Bryan Reynolds made his old team pay for trading him, hitting 3 homers and knocking in all 4 of Miami's runs. After Daniel Vogelbach tied the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th inning, Reynolds hit a 2-run home run off of David Bednar to give the Marlins the lead.
WP: P. Venditte (1-0)
LP: D. Bednar (4-5)
SV: J. Barlow (12)
Record: 44-52

Game #97 – July 25 – Chicago 5, Pittsburgh 4
The Pirates traveled to Chicago for an important 2 game series and the opportunity, if they could win both games, to close within 3 games of the current division leaders. (At 49-47, the Cubs lead Milwaukee by ½ game and St. Louis by 3 ½. Pittsburgh is 5 games back.) Daniel Vogelbach's RBI groundout and Austin Nola's 2-run home run in the 1st inning gave Pittsburgh the early 3-0 lead. The Pirates added a run on Bryan De La Cruz's 2nd inning home run. Nate Pearson labored, lasting just 4 innings and allowing 3 runs, but Cristian Javier and Tanner Rainey pitched 4 dominant innings out of the bullpen. Leading 4-3 going to the bottom of the 9th, the Pirates turned to Taylor Rogers. After Jayson Heyward grounded out to start the inning, Clint Frazier singled. Jonathan Villar hit into a fielder's choice (6-4) for the 2nd out, but Andrelton Simmons singled to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Seiya Suzuki followed with a triple down the left field line, scoring both runners and sending the electrified Cubs fans home happy. [Sidenote – I always play through all games as manager, rarely simming games unless it is a blowout one way or the other. I know the team better this way and feel more in tune with the daily ups and downs of the season. This particular game was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult and disappointing losses I've ever experienced in many years of playing OOTP baseball.]
WP: T. Watson (3-2)
LP: T. Rogers (0-1)
Record: 44-53

July 26 – Chicago 5, Pittsburgh 2
In a game they absolutely had to have, the Pirates jumped to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning but could do nothing else against Kyle Hendricks. Chicago scored 3 times in the 6th against Bryan Abreu to sweep the series.
WP: N. Felix (1-0)
LP: B. Abreu (0-1)
SV: R. Wick (20)
Record: 44-54

July 27 – Off Day

July 28 – Philadelphia 7, Pittsburgh 4
The Phillies scored 3 times in the 1st inning to take control of the game. Pittsburgh tried to comeback, scoring twice in the 8th on the rarest of baseball sights, a Daniel Vogelbach triple, but fell short.
WP: Z. Wheeler (9-5)
LP: S. Alcantara (10-7)
SV: C. Knebel (27)
Record: 44-55

TRADE: Traded Mitch Keller to Arizona for SS Nick Ahmed. Placed Ahmed on the active roster and optioned Ji-hwan Bae to AAA Indianapolis. Purchased the contract of Zach Thompson from AAA Indianapolis.

Ahmed is one of best defensive shortstops in the league, which makes up for his weak bat. He will not be a free agent until the end of 2023, so he will provide solid middle infielder defense (which has been a team weakness) through next season. The unanswered question is where Oneil Cruz (who prefers to remain a shortstop) will play once he returns to the lineup.

July 29 – Philadelphia 10, Pittsburgh 2
The wheels fell off completely as the losing continued and frustrations continued to rise. The Pirates were never in this game.
WP: R. Suarez (5-5)
LP: R. Contreras (3-6)
Record: 44-56

July 30 – Pittsburgh 4, Philadelphia 3
The Pirates failed to hold on to a 3-0 lead when Kyle Schwarber tied it with a 3-run shot in the 4th inning, but Diego Castillo rekindled whatever flickering hopes the Pirates have with a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 9th. "This place went bonkers at the end," Castillo said.
WP: T. Rainey (1-2)
LP: S. Coonrod (1-3)
Record: 45-56

July 31 – Pittsburgh 4, Philadelphia 3
Estevan Florial hit a run-scoring double in the bottom of the 6th inning to tie the game and Daniel Vogelbach hit a clutch solo home run in the 8th (his 21st) to bring Pirates fans everywhere to their feet.
WP: C. Javier (1-1)
LP: C. Bedrosian (0-1)
SV: T. Rogers (3)
Record: 46-56

TRADES: Traded Zach Thompson and Forrest Whitley to St. Louis in exchange for Alec Burleson and Juan Yepez. Thompson has no spot moving forward with the team.despite his good performance and the fact that he was traded to a division rival. Burleson and Yepez are 2 good, young hitters. Burleson in particular is an interesting bat (rated 65 contact, 55 power, but only 40 eye, 50 overall potential), but that is tall he provides as his defense is limited (he plays corner outfield and first base, but is below average for both).

Traded Anthony Banda to the Cubs for Cody Heuer. This was the best return for Banda, who has pitched much better than his peripherals in relief 1-2, 3.42) and wasn't going to remain in the team. Hewer, who had Tommy John surgery in March, will not pitch this season but has been a solid reliever when healthy.

Traded Lewin Diaz to Seattle for catcher Cal Raleigh. The Pirates gave up on Diaz, who hit no better with Pittsburgh then he did in Miami. Raleigh is an above average defensive catcher who can punish the baseball when he connects. He is better suited for backup position rather than as a starter, but he will solidify the catching position for next season.

TRANSACTIONS: Designated Will Crowe for assignment and placed in waivers. Placed Heuer on the 60-day injured list. Assigned Yepez, Burleson, and Raleigh to AAA Indianapolis. Recalled Jose Quezada and Tom Cosgrove from AAA Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

AUGUST REVIEW

The Pirates suffered through another losing month at 10-15. The pitching continues to be solid (3.72 ERA 3rd overall, starters ERA of 3.67 3rd, 94 home runs allowed 1st). The offense is struggling, falling to 11th in batting average, 11th in on base percentage, 11th in OPS). Josh Bell has been on fire (.368, 2 HR, 6 RBI since joining the team) and Estevan Florial (.252, 8 HR, 25 RBI) has seemingly come out of nowhere to become one of the most dangerous hitters in the team.

Despite everything, the Pirates remain just 6 games behind the division-leading Cubs as the month ends (although 10 ½ games out of the 3rd wild card spot). The team continues to underachieve relative to its Pythagorean record of 53-49 (1st place if they actually had earned that record). Hope remains that, with some more consistent play, the Pirates can make a push for a playoff spot over the final two months of the season.

NL CENTRAL STANDINGS 8/1/22
Chicago 52-50 –
Milwaukee 50-52 2
St. Louis 48-54 4
Pittsburgh 46-56 6
Cincinnati 45-58 7 ½


THIS MONTH IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

With 68 wins, the San Francisco Giants continue to have the best record in baseball. They lead the equally hot Dodgers by 2. The Braves have a 1 ½ game lead over the Mets in the East. Philadelphia, with a 57-46 record, is 4 games behind Atlanta but has a comfortable 6 ½ game lead for the 3rd wild card spot.

Toronto (64-38) is in control in the AL East (9 games ahead of the Yankees), and Minnesota is rolling in the Central (65-37 and a 10 ½ game lead over Cleveland). The West is a two team race with the Angels (61-41) holding a ½ game lead over the Astros (61-42).

Trea Turner continues to lead the NL in batting average (.320) and stolen bases (23) but has fallen behind in home runs and RBI.

• July 3 – Luis Roberts of the White Sox will miss 6 weeks with a strained abdominal muscle.
  
• July 4 – Pitcher Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Ross announced he will retire at the end of the season.
  
• July 17 – Byron Buxton of the AL Central leading Twins will miss at least 3 months with torn ankle ligaments.
  
• July 29 – The Mets learned that newly-acquired Nathan Eovaldi will miss the rest of the season with a torn UCL.
  
• July 30 – Sixto Sanchez of the Marlins will be out for the next seven months with bone chips in his elbow

.

TRADES

Teams were active leading up to the July 31st trade deadline.

July 2 – The Reds traded reliever Alexis Diaz to Toronto for a minor leaguer.

July 5 – Tampa Bay traded Pete Fairbanks to the Yankees for a minor leaguer. The Indians traded C Bo Naylor to Boston for Christian Vazquez.

July 7 – The Cubs made a move to strengthen their pitching, trading minor leaguers Christian Franklin and Luis Maza to San Diego for Craig Stammen and minor league pitcher Noel Vela.

July 8 – The Brewers acquired reliever Dany Jimenez and Jeff Carswell from Oakland for 2 minor leaguers.

July 11 – Tampa Bay dealt Andrew Kittredge to Atlanta for a minor league pitcher. Cleveland acquired Alex Powers from Detroit for a minor leaguer.

July 13 – Toronto acquired reliever Ian Kennedy from Arizona for a minor league outfielder.

July 14 – The Cubs traded minor league third baseman Christian Gonzalez to San Diego for Pitcher Sean Manaea.

July 17 – Boston Traded reliever Oliver Drake to Milwaukee for a minor leaguer.

July 18 – Toronto traded minor leaguers Samad Taylor, Phillip Clarke, Dasan Brown, Marcos De La Rosa, and a 2nd round draft pick to Tampa Bay for Ryan Yarbrough. Milwaukee acquired pitcher Tim Hill from.San Diego for a prospect.

July 19 – Texas traded Greg Holland to the Mets for a minor league pitcher.

July 20 – Arizona traded Keone Kela and minor league.pitcher Josh Swales to Houston for minor leaguers Tyler Whitaker and Dawill Amonte. Philadelphia acquired Andrew Chafin and a minor leaguer from Detroit in exchange for minor league pitcher Luis Rijo.

July 22 – The Mets traded 2 minor league pitchers to Boston, receiving P Nathan Eovaldi in return.

July 24 – The Cubs acquired reliever Jacob Barnes from Detroit in exchange for a minor league outfielder.

July 25 – The Angels traded minor leaguers Leonard Garcia and Hayden Arnold and a 2nd round draft pick to San Diego for Jose Musgrove. Also, the Mets acquired Alex Colome from Colorado, Houston acquired catcher Yasmani Grandal from the White Sox for 3 minor leaguers, and Tampa Bay dealt J. T. Chargois to the Dodgers and Nick Anderson to the Astros.

July 26 – The Cubs acquired pitcher Daulton Jefferies from Oakland for minor league pitcher Brailyn Marquez. The White Sox traded Lance Lynn to Toronto for two minor leaguers. The Blue Jays also acquired Tyler Mahle from Cincinnati for three prospects and a 3rd round draft pick.

July 27 – The Mets acquired reliever Drew Steckenrider from Seattle.

July 28 – The Angels acquired Kyle Finnegan from Washington. The Braves acquired Noe Ramirez from Arizona. The Cubs acquired Michael Pineda from Detroit.

July 29 – The Dodgers acquired reliever Joe Mantiply from Arizona. The Phillies acquired Sean Doolittle from Washington. The Astros acquired Matt Strahm from Boston.

July 30 – The Brewers acquired pitcher Joe Ross from the Nationals. The Reds traded Nick Senzel to Philadelphia for Corey Knebel and a minor league catcher. Minnesota acquired Corey Kluber from Tampa Bay. The Mets acquired reliever Shawn Armstrong from Tampa Bay. Minnesota sent Austin Martin, Evan Justice, Marco Raya, and Yunior Severino to the Rays in exchange for pitcher Jeffrey Springs. The Cubs traded Brad Wieck and one of their top prospects, Christian Hernandez, to the Mets for Tim Locastro.

July 31 – The Braves acquired Ken Giles from Seattle. The Twins acquired reliever Dillon Tate from Baltimore. The Angels acquired Donovan Solano from Cincinnati for 3 minor league players. The Angels also acquired pitcher Lou Trevino from Oakland. The Padres dumped Yu Darvish's salary, sending him to Philadelphia in exchange for minor league pitcher Tyler Phillips.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Pirates minor leaguers of note:

#1 prospect Quinn Priester (6-2, 3.96 ERA at AA).

#2 prospect Henry Davis (.200 BA but 6 HR and 47 RBI at A level).

#7 prospect Nick Gonzalez (.266 BA, 7 HR, 24 RBI since promotion to AAA).

#16 prospect Maikol Escotto (.262, 28 HR, 83 RBI at A).

#28 prospect Jared Triolo (.302, 18 HR, 58 RBI at AAA).

[TribeTown]

August 1 – Off Day

Game # 103 – August 2 – Pittsburgh 2, Milwaukee 1
Pablo Lopez pitched a gem (8 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 7 K, 2 BB) as the Pirates won their 3rd straight game.
WP: P. Lopez (4-7)
LP: B. Woodruff (8-8)
SV: T. Rogers 4
Record: 47-56

TRANSACTIONS: Recalled Alec Burleson from AAA Indianapolis. Optioned Michael Toglia to AAA Indianapolis

Game #104 – August 3 – Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 3 (10 innings)
The bullpen struck again as the Pirates failed to hold on to a 3-0 lead in the 9th inning. Sandy Alcantara was terrific (8.2 IP, 2 unearned runs, 4 hits, 6 strikeouts) but ran into trouble in the 9th when Kolten Wong singled with 2 out. Luis Urias reached on an error by Alcantara and the Pirates turned to David Bednar to close it out. Instead, Hunter Renfroe greeted Bednar with a home run to left field to tie the game. After the Pirates had a chance but failed to score in the bottom of the inning, Milwaukee won it with 2 runs in the 10th.
WP: J. Hader (1-7)
LP: D. Bednar (4-6)
SV: A. Perdomo (2)
Record: 47-57

Game #105 – August 4 – Pittsburgh 3, Milwaukee 2
Roansy Contreras brought his "A-Game," allowing 1 run on 1 hits over 7.1 masterful innings. "For a young player, he's done a lot of good things for us," the Pittsburgh manager said of Roansy after the game. Austin Nola's 3-run home run in the 7th broke a scoreless tie. The bullpen made things interesting again, but Taylor Rogers recorded the final 2 outs with the tying run at second base to preserve the win.
WP: R. Contreras (4-6)
LP: F. Peralta (8-4)
SV: T. Rogers (5)
Record: 48-57

Game #106 – August 5 – Baltimore 4, Pittsburgh 3
The Pirates traveled to Baltimore for an important series and came up short. Pittsburgh took a 3-0 lead in the 5th inning on a 2-run home run by Alec Burleson and a Nick Ahmed base hit, but the Orioles scored twice in the 6th and twice in the 7th to capture the win.
WP: D. Kramer (3-1)
LP: M. Cronin (1-2)
SV: J. Lopez (2)
Record: 48-58

Game #107 – August 6 – Pittsburgh 10, Baltimore 7
The Pirates jumped out to a 9-1 lead on the strength of home runs by Ke'Bryan Hays, Josh Bell, and Alec Burleson. What should have been an easy win turned into a close game when Baltimore scored six times in the 8th inning. Bryan De La Cruz's 9th inning solo shot (his 16th) gave Pittsburgh an insurance run.
WP: J. Quezada (1-0)
LP: Tyler Wells (3-9)
SV: D. Bednar (17)
Record: 49-58

Game #108 – August 7 – Baltimore 6, Pittsburgh 2
The Orioles won the rubber march behind the hitting of Adley Rutchman, who belted 2 home runs.
WP: G. Rodriguez (5-5)
LP: N. Pearson (1-2)
Record: 49-59

TRANSACTION: Assigned Wil Crowe (who cleared waivers) to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #109 – August 8 – Arizona 5, Pittsburgh 2
The Pirates fell behind early, tied it at 4 in the 6th inning, and lost it when David Bednar hit Seth Beer with a pitch to drive in the go-ahead run.
WP: M. Stumpo (3-1)
LP: D. Bednar (4-7)
SV: M. Melancon (12)
Record: 49-60

Game #110 – August 9 – Pittsburgh 5, Arizona 1
Sandy Alcantara pitched another strong game (7 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 6 K) and Alec Bohm's 5th inning grand slam broke a 1-1 tie.
WP: S. Alcantara (11-7)
LP: M. Baumgarner (8-10)
Record: 50-60

Game #111 – August 10 – Pittsburgh 9, Arizona 5
Alec Burleson hit a grand slam in the 2nd inning as Pittsburgh took an early 6-0 lead.
WP: R. Contreras (5-6)
LP: L. Weaver (5-13)
Record: 51-60

Game #112 – August 11 – Pittsburgh 8, Arizona 0
J. T. Brubaker was outstanding, scattering 3 hits and striking out 9 in a complete game shutout.
WP: J. Brubaker (9-7)
LP: J. Bukauskas (1-4)
Record: 52-60

TRANSACTION: Sent Oneil Cruz to AAA Indianapolis for injury rehab.

Game #113 – August 12 – San Francisco 8, Pittsburgh 7 (11 innings)
The Giants finally prevailed in a back-and-forth game at Oracle Park. The Pirates were leading it 3-1 when the Giants scored six times in the 5th inning. Pittsburgh came back. Daniel Vogelbach's 3-run shot in the 7th (home run #24) made it 7-6, and Bryan De La Cruz tied it with a run-scoring single in the 8th. The game remained deadlocked until Brandon Crawford hit a walk-off single in the 11th.
WP: C. Doval (5-2)
LP: T. Rogers (0-2)
Record: 52-61

Game #114 – August 13 – Pittsburgh 2, San Francisco 0
Pablo Lopez was marvelous, scattering 3 hits over 7.1 shutout innings. Diego Castillo drove in both Pittsburgh runs with a 2nd inning double and a 6th inning single.
WP: P. Lopez (5-7)
LP: C. Rondon (13-5)
SV: T. Rogers (6)
Record: 53-61

Game #115 – August 14 – Pittsburgh 3, San Francisco 1
Sandy Alcantara held the Giants to 1 run on 4 hits over 7.1 innings. Bryan De La Cruz hit a run-scoring single in the 2nd to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead, and added an RBI triple in the 8th to make it 2-0. After the Giants scored in the bottom of the inning, Alec Bohm's 9th inning single made it 3-1.
WP: S. Alcantara (12-7)
LP: L. Webb (13-7)
SV: D. Bednar (18)
Record: 54-61

[TribeTown]

I forgot to include in the previous post a news report from August 10 --

"Pittsburgh left fielder Alec Burleson has been suspended for 3 games for an on-field tirade with an umpire that left Burleson standing in his socks. He was ejected from the Pirates-Arizona game for disputing a strike call. Burleson let fly with a flurry of expletives, threw down his bat and hit, then went nose-to-nose with the umpire, bobbing his head and screaming. He turned to kick the dirt around home plate, ripped off his shoe and showed it to the umpire, then pulled back his sleeve and shoved his armpit toward the umpire's face. Burleson continued to argue, kicking off his other shoe. Another umpire stepped between them. After slamming the second shoe down, the irate player went over to the Pirates dugout, fished out a batting doughnut from a bag, then paired with another to make a mock pair of eyeglasses before slamming both weights down. The tour de farce ended after several minutes of confrontation. Burleson finally retrieved his bat, shouted a few more choice words and walked into the dugout. A bat boy retrieved his shoes and bat ... and his eyeglasses, too. Burleson did not return a message seeking comment today."