Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates bounced back as Jared Jones tossed five scoreless innings and Ryan O’Hearn homered to defeat the Astros 5-1 and win the series in Houston. O’Hearn drove in the first run of the game in the 1st inning to give the Bucs an early 1-0 lead and he finished with two hits and three RBIs. Carmen Mlodzinski came in after Jones went five and shut the door down with four innings and one run allowed for the save.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Astros. The Pirates bullpen blew it in Houston in the bottom of the 8th. Henry Davis and Nick Gonzales both homered in the loss. The Pirates will look to win the series tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates fans finally have a real reason to fill out their MLB All-Star ballots with pride. Could a new era of legit All-Star representation be dawning in Pittsburgh? Gary Morgan highlights Spencer Horwitz’s breakout season, Brandon Lowe’s dominance at second base, and Nick Gonzales’ case for third—each making a surprising push against big names like Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson.

The discussion breaks down the Pirates’ strongest All-Star contenders across the National League ballot, weighing the impact of stats, fan voting quirks, and name recognition. On the pitching side, Paul Skenes looks like a lock, wh...

Pittsburgh Pirates crush Houston Astros with a 10-run outburst, but bullpen woes refuse to fade. Can the Bucs maintain their playoff momentum with an inconsistent relief corps? Gary Morgan spotlights Bubba Chandler’s growth, Wilbur Dotel’s breakout, and Dennis Santana’s struggles, questioning if this pitching mix can hold under pressure.

Key topics include the Pirates’ offensive upside with Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz, strategic concerns around trade deadline inactivity, Paul Skenes’ search for dominance, and the fierce NL Central race. Gary Morgan weighs the top five reasons for optimism and doubt in the Pirates’ playoff push, raisin...

The Pirates rallied for two early deficits to come back and rip the Astros 10-4 in the first game of the series. Oneil Cruz hit a massive three-run homer in the 6th inning that flipped the script and gave the Pirates a lead  where they never looked back. Brandon Lowe and Endy Rodriguez also homered in this one. Bubba Chandler started and struggled at times, but got through five innings and took the win.

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Pittsburgh Pirates brace for a defining road trip as Bubba Chandler faces Mike Burrows and the struggling Houston Astros, with Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers looming next. Can the Pirates capitalize on Houston’s shaky bullpen and sustain momentum after sweeping the Twins? Gary Morgan spotlights Jordan Alvarez trade rumors, the urgent need for bullpen help, and Pittsburgh’s top-five MLB offense, challenging the narrative that this is the same old Pirates team.

Morgan also reflects on the enduring heartbreak and hope of being a lifelong Pirates fan, contrasting past letdowns with optimism for this season’s elit...

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

Host Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ thrilling sweep of the Minnesota Twins, Braxton Ashcraft’s breakout as the team’s steadiest starter, and how injuries to Konnor Griffin are creating roster dilemmas. Hot topics include the ascension order of Nick Yorke vs. Callahan, bullpen adjustment strategies, and whether Andrew McCutc...

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

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

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

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

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ pitching carousel as Carmen Mlodzinski moves to the bullpen, Jared Jones takes the mound, and Bubba Chandler stays put. The episode also spotlights MLB’s...

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

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

Brandon Lowe emerges as an All-Star lock, leading the charge with elite power numbers and all-around play, positioning himself as the National League’s top second baseman. Topics a...

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

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

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ evolving lineup, emerging young stars like Esmerlyn Valdez and Password Garcia, and the mounting roster crunch as Ryan O’Hearn’s return looms. Key topics include strategic rotation changes, Marcelo Ozuna’s struggles, and how Don Kelly navigates a complex bullpen amid rising expectations. Will Braxton Ashcraft secure an extension—and can the Pirate...

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

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Gary Morgan discusses the Pirates power potential and compare and contrasts vs the rest of MLB.

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The Pirates snuck out a 2-1 win over the Cubs to open their seven-game homestand on Memorial Day. Carmen Mlodzinski pitched 5 solid innings with Wilber Dotel and Gregory Soto following in the bullpen. Henry Davis hit a go-ahead home run to win the game for the Pirates.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup struggles against left-handed pitching are no secret—does Don Kelly’s constant lineup juggling make things better or worse? Gary Morgan exposes the underlying issues causing the Pirates to stall against southpaws, from shaky roster construction to the ongoing debate about balancing power right-handed bats like Nick Gonzales and Password Garcia. Should the Pirates stick with their regulars, or does matching up by handedness guarantee success?

The crucial series against the slumping Chicago Cubs arrives at a pivotal moment. With Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Paul Skenes set to take the mound, can the Pirate...

The Pirates and Mitch Keller stopped a two-game skid and avoided the sweep with a 4-1 win over the Blue Jays. Keller tossed six strong innings with one run allowed for his 5th win. The Pirates also belted three home runs including Esmerlyn Valdez who recorded his first MLB hit which was a two-run home run to help the Bucs secure the win. Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless 9th inning to earn his 5th save.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the weekend series between the Pirates and Blue Jays. Patrick Crobin shoved against the Pirates in the loss to the Blue Jays. The Pirates fall back to .500 and as of late are looking exactly like a .500 team. The Pirates will look to salvage game three and a .500 road trip tomorrow.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the weekend series between the Pirates and Blue Jays. Bubba Chandler had a solid start, but his defense didn't help him. The young bats were all over the lineup today but didn't have the greatest day in Canada. Dennis Santana struggled in the 9th inning yet again. The Pirates will look to bounce back with Paul Skenes on the mound tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates signal a bold new direction with the call-up of power-hitting prospect Esmerlyn Valdez, raising the stakes for the team’s playoff aspirations. Can Valdez and fellow newcomer Garcia inject enough right-handed power to reshape the Pirates’ offense while Ryan O’Hearn recovers? Gary Morgan breaks down Valdez’s meteoric rise, the strategic decision to move on from Billy Cook, and what these roster moves reveal about the organization’s commitment to upside and winning now.

Key topics include how Valdez could shift the Pirates’ lineup, where he fits defensively alongside Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, and why play...

Braxton Ashcraft struck out a career high 9 and went seven strong innings to lead the Pirates past the Cardinals 6-2 to take a series from the Cardinals. Brandon Lowe homered for his team-leading 13th blast and Henry Davis belted a solo home run as well. The Bucs also saw production from Marcell Ozuna who had two hits and drove in two runs.

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Pittsburgh Pirates silenced the St. Louis Cardinals with a 7-0 bounceback win—are they quietly boasting one of MLB's best offenses? Gary Morgan examines powerful nights from Konnor Griffin, Nick Gonzales, and Spencer Horowitz, plus analyzes Don Kelly’s latest lineup changes that balanced contact, power, and pressure atop the order.

Key topics include the Pirates’ surprising rankings in OPS, walks, and stolen bases, the depth of lineup production with seven players topping 20 RBIs, and whether bullpen woes—not struggling bats like Henry Davis or Marcell Ozuna—are holding this club back. The mailbag covers bullpen usage planning...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Cardinals. The Young Bucs on the Pirates Offense came through in a big way in a 7-0 win. Carmen Mlodzinski put together an efficient outing, and the bullpen followed with four shutout innings of relief.

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Pittsburgh Pirates suffer another late-inning heartbreak as bullpen chaos strikes again in St. Louis. Can Don Kelly stabilize the shaky relief corps before the season slips away?

Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ blown lead against the St. Louis Cardinals, dissecting key decisions involving Mitch Keller, Evan Sisk, and Gregory Soto. He questions the current bullpen experiment, unclear roles, and the revolving door approach that’s left Pirates fans frustrated. The episode breaks down lineup confusion against left-handed pitching, player performances from Henry Davis, Nick Gonzalez, and Jarred Triolo, and the lack of consistency in Don Kelly’s matchu...

The Pirates bullpen blew another lead as the Pirates dropped their 4th straight game 6-5 and are now 0-5 against the Cardinals this season. The Pirates rallied to tie the game in the 9th inning, but Ivan Herrera belts a walkoff 3-run home run in the 10th inning to defeat the Pirates. Don Kelly's decision to pull Mitch Keller with two outs in the 6th inning loomed large as Evan Sisk served up a go-ahead home run to Nolan Gorman. 

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Former MLB reliever Mike Stanton shares what separates elite pitchers like Paul Skenes, comparing his approach and “ice water” composure to legends such as Doc Gooden. Are the Pittsburgh Pirates unlocking a secret weapon by transitioning young arms through the bullpen before giving them rotation spots—and does this strategy accelerate or risk pitcher development?

Host Gary Morgan explores how pitching philosophies have evolved, from strict pitch counts to the modern obsession with velocity and spin rate. Key topics include the mental grind of closing out games, why certain relievers excel in high-leverage roles, and how analytics clash...

Pittsburgh Pirates face mounting pressure as the bullpen racks up 10 blown saves, shining a spotlight on Gregory Soto, Dennis Santana, and the team's late-inning struggles. Can Carmen Mlodzinski’s return stabilize the pen, or will bold moves shake up the rotation? Gary Morgan breaks down key decisions, from shifting Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones to promoting Wilbur Dotel, and discusses if patience—or dramatic changes—will rescue the Pirates' postseason dreams.

With Ryan O’Hearn sidelined, Pittsburgh scrambles to patch the lineup. Will Jake Mangum, Jared Triolo, or prospects like Esmerlyn Valdez and Password Garcia seize the opportun...

Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Phillies. Paul Skenes and Zack Wheeler faced off, with Wheeler outlasting Skenes. the Pirates offense was silenced yet again in the loss. Injury news around Ryan O'Hearn took place before the game.

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Nathan and Ryan break down game two of the three game series between the Pirates and Phillies. Bubba Chandler struggled in a three-inning outing against Philly. Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez dominated the Pirates bats all game long. Ryan O'Hearn exited the game with right quad discomfort. 

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The Pirates blew two big leads to lose to the Phillies 11-9 in 10 innings at PNC Park. Gregory Soto gave up three runs for the blown save in the 9th and then Dennis Santana gave up another three in extras as the bullpen continues to struggle. Brandon Lowe hit two home runs for his team-leading 12 on the year and Marcell Ozuna hit his 5th HR. Braxton Ashcraft started this one going 6.2 innings with 4 runs allowed.

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Pittsburgh Pirates reignite hope as Endy Rodriguez shines behind the plate, sparking fresh debate about the team’s catcher hierarchy. Gary Morgan highlights Rodriguez’s standout performance, breaks down his career trajectory—from minor league dominance to injury setbacks—and scrutinizes whether one breakout game is enough to redefine his role. Is it time to crown a new starting catcher, or are fans getting ahead of themselves?

Morgan also examines Carmen Mlodzinski’s shifting spot in the Pirates’ bullpen amid the looming return of Jared Jones, and identifies how the evolving rotation could impact Pittsburgh’s playoff push. With the...

The Pirates took an early 3-0 lead and held onto it in this one to defeat the Rockies 7-2 and take the series from Colorado. Ryan O’Hearn had three hits and homered for his second straight game. Endy Rodriguez made his 2026 Pirates debut with two hits and two RBIs. And Carmen Mlodzinski held onto the lead after two openers with five innings of 2-run ball for the win.

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Pittsburgh Pirates struggle to string together wins despite a strong starting rotation and rising stars like Paul Skenes. Can manager Don Kelly find the right formula to maximize a talented roster and push beyond mediocrity? Gary Morgan scrutinizes the Pirates’ bullpen woes, bench depth issues, and lineup uncertainty, questioning whether players like Justin Lawrence and Yohan Ramirez are holding the team back. Hot topics include Don Kelly’s tactical decisions, the effectiveness of open roles in the bullpen, and the need for greater offensive punch. With tough upcoming matchups against the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals, the spotlight is o...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Rockies. Pirates starter Mitch Keller started the game retiring twelve straight Rockies bats, but in the 5th inning fell apart. The Pirates offense early in the game got in an entertaining rundown play as well. The Pirates will look to take the rubber match in game three tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates history is being rewritten as Paul Skenes dazzles with pure dominance—three near no-hitters in four starts and a 1.97 ERA. Is Skenes on track to join the ranks of baseball’s all-time greats? Gary Morgan explores Skenes’ unprecedented rookie impact, the pitcher’s command, and the staggering shift in Pirates expectations.

Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ explosive offensive turnaround, crediting key additions like Brandon Lowe and phenom Konnor Griffin for propelling the lineup from MLB’s basement to elite status. The conversation heats up around Nick Gonzalez’s clutch hitting and Brandan Bidiow unique ascent into the bullpen, p...

Paul Skenes took a no-hitter into the 7th inning and finished with 10 strikeouts and eight shutout frames as the Pirates cruised to a 3-1 win over the Rockies. Oneil Cruz went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored. Nick Gonzales added two hits and drove in a run and Gregory Soto allowed a run but gets the save.

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Why do even elite pitchers suddenly lose command, and can throwing harder actually hurt your game? Former Pittsburgh Pirates coach Eric Minshall explains the science behind pitching meltdowns, debunks myths about "reaching back" for extra velocity, and reveals how subtle changes—like the slide step—can shake a young arm’s confidence. What separates Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler from the pack, and how can pitchers effectively control the running game in a post-pitch clock era?

Host Gary Morgan and Eric Minshall unpack the mental and mechanical battles behind the mound, from MLB starter velocity strategies to injury...