Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates battled back to win a gritty 6-1 game over the Phillies to get back to .500 at 44-44. Esmerlyn Valdez had two hits and three RBIs including a huge go-ahead RBI triple in the 7th inning to continue his hot hitting. Jared Jones went four innings with one run allowed on two hits and six strikeouts. Carmen Mlodzinski came in after Jones and shut down the Phillies for three scoreless innings. Endy Rodriguez and Nick Gonzales each hit a solo home run for insurance runs late.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hit a snag as ace Paul Skenes falters on the mound—can the team still count on their foundation? Gary Morgan tackles Skenes’ alarming slide, dissecting his recent struggles with command, declining velocity, and a changing pitch mix. The conversation spotlights the Pirates’ losing streak in Skenes’ starts, questions surrounding player workload, and the complexities of managing a pitcher with a massive support staff and specialized routines.

Key topics include the Pirates’ approach to lineup decisions against left-handed pitchers, the fairness of pitching coach criticism, and creative trade proposals involving Ryan O’Hearn. Gary Morgan al...

The Pirates drop their second straight to the Phillies Wednesday night to drop back under .500 in a 10-6 loss. Paul Skenes struggled again and gave up seven earned runs as the Pirates have now lost nine straight Skenes starts. The bats got to Zack Wheeler as they chased him out of the game in the 5th inning with four runs allowed. Henry Davis belted his 7th home run of the season and Nick Gonzales had 3 hits.

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Pittsburgh Pirates go toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Phillies, raising questions about just how close these squads are in the NL hierarchy. Can a surging Esmerlyn Valdez and a resilient lineup close the perceived gap—and is a second-half playoff push in sight? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ comeback win and tough loss, spotlights Valdez’s breakout power, and debates if veteran Marcell Ozuna’s days are numbered with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz nearing returns.

Key topics include critical bullpen concerns, a bold list of MLB trade targets—from Luke Weaver to Aroldis Chapman—and how the Pirates’...

Nathan breaks down game two of the four game series between the Pirates and Phillies. Cristopher Sanchez yet again had a stellar outing against the Pirates this year, as the bats couldn't get anything going. Bubba Chandler put together a solid effort but was given no run support. Paul Skenes will take the mound tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates defense faces a critical crossroads as outfield struggles and mounting errors threaten their playoff hopes. Can stars like Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin return in time to stabilize a unit that’s been bailed out by the infield’s solid play, or will the cost of sacrificing offense for defense prove too high? Gary Morgan breaks down tough choices facing Don Kelly, from whether Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez should anchor behind the plate to why defensive replacements aren’t always a clear fix.

Roster strategy takes center stage with sharp analysis of trade deadline rumors...

Nathan breaks down game one of the four game series between the Pirates and Phillies. The Pirates offense came back to defeat the Phillies after falling down 5-0 early in the ballgame. The bullpen gave a scare in the 8th inning, but Endy Rodriguez provided some pop in the 9th to add to the Bucs offensive efforts. Jared Triolo and Esmerlyn Valdez both homered as well. The Pirates will look to take game two tomorrow as Bubba Chandler matches up against Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face a pitching staff identity crisis as internal conflicts and role confusion threaten their playoff hopes. Can reimagining the bullpen—including a bold proposal to move Jared Jones into the closer role—reverse a string of blown late-game leads and carry the Bucs back into contention?

Gary Morgan examines Don Kelly’s leadership, reconstructs the Pirates’ rotation and bullpen deployment without outside help, and spotlights challenges with player buy-in, especially regarding Carmen Mlodzinski’s availability. The discussion scrutinizes Paul Skenes’ reliance on Henry Davis, Bubba Chandler’s progress, and the bullpen’s lack of killer instinct. With n...

Nathan breaks down the series finale between the Pirates and Reds. Ryan O'Hearn, Tyler Callihan, and Esmerlyn Valdez all showed their power in the Pirates win over the Reds. Mitch Keller, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Dennis Santana all hunkered down against the Reds. The Pirates will head to Philly to start a 4-game series tomorrow.

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The Pirates bullpen and Gregory Soto blew another save on Eugenio Suarez's 3-run home run in the top of the 9th to push the Reds past the Bucs 9-7. The Pirates rallied to take the lead on Esmerlyn Valdez's pinch-hit go-ahead solo home run in the 8th inning to lead 7-6, but couldn't hold it in the 9th inning. Brandon Lowe also homered for his team-leading 20th blast of the season, a three-run bomb in the third. Both starters struggled in this one as Jared Jones gave up four runs (three earned) in 4.2 innings and the Pirates bats got...

The Pirates fall in the opening game of the Reds series as Paul Skenes struggles again with four earned runs in the 2nd inning. He settled in and went five innings with seven strikeouts, but hasn’t won a game since May 12. The Pirates bats rallied back with Esmerlyn Valdez hitting a solo HR to tie the game in the 6th inning, but the Reds scored the go ahead two runs in the top of the 8th inning on a Noelvi Marte pinch-hit home run off Mason Montgomery to put the Reds ahead for good. Konnor Griffin returned in th...

Pittsburgh Pirates surge past .500 at midseason for the first time since 2015—can they capitalize on a wide-open National League playoff race? Gary Morgan spotlights Nick Gonzales' breakout at third base, the fight for a Wild Card spot, and the surprising strength of the Pirates’ run differential despite a shaky bullpen.

Trade deadline strategy takes center stage as Gary Morgan explores what NL contenders like the Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals might do and what the Pirates need to stay in the mix. Key topics include the impact of bullpen struggles, Mitch Keller’s potential rebound, the evolving role o...

Bubba Chandler and the Pirates bullpen held onto a 5-1 victory to take the series over the Mariners Thursday afternoon at PNC Park. Henry Davis had two hits including a two-run home run and Brandon Lowe hit his 19th home run to give the Pirates offense early. Chandler limited the Mariners to one run in 5.1 innings and the Pirates bullpen held it the rest of the way allowing just one hit in 3.2 innings of work.

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Pittsburgh Pirates rout Seattle Mariners with an 11-1 offensive outburst, but the victory comes at a cost as Spencer Horwitz exits with a hamstring injury. Braxton Ashcraft dazzles with six innings and ten strikeouts, solidifying his place as one of MLB’s breakout pitchers. Ryan O’Hearn and Endy Rodriguez power the lineup, while Esmerlyn Valdez and Jake Mangum showcase the team’s lineup depth amid injury woes.

Gary Morgan breaks down the implications of Horowitz’s absence, upcoming returns of Konnor Griffin, and how the reshuffling impacts the Pirates’ push through a season-defining stretch. Key topics include th...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Mariners. Braxton Ashcraft put together a 10 strike out performance to help lead the Pirates to a win over the Mariners. The Pirates offense struck in bunches tonight with huge 4th and 7th innings. The Pirates will look to take the series tomorrow afternoon.

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Pittsburgh Pirates' gritty loss reveals a blueprint for turning the season around. Mitch Keller’s aggressive six-inning outing, the resurgence of bullpen arms like Mason Montgomery and Dennis Santana, and Bryan Reynolds' consistent hitting offer hope for more wins ahead. Yet, persistent struggles with runners in scoring position and lineup concerns keep the pressure on as the team hovers around .500—can they clean up their situational hitting and capitalize when it counts?

Gary Morgan breaks down early MLB trade radar targets, including names like Casey Mize, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, and Aroldis Chapman, while weighing which Pirates pros...

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Mariners. Mitch Keller was on track for a strong outing, but lost things in the 7th inning. The offense started to get some hits early against George Kirby but had hard times capitalizing. The Pirates will look to take game 2 and get back to .500 tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup finds new balance with Jake Mangum’s energetic play. Can his contact skills and speed complement the power bats when Oneil Cruz returns? Gary Morgan spotlights Mangum’s value beyond the headlines, examining how his presence changes the Pirates’ offensive equation and why keeping him involved is crucial for sustained run production.

MLB’s proposed draft overhaul sparks debate across baseball. Will eliminating high school draftees and shrinking the draft to 12 rounds fundamentally alter player development? Gary Morgan unpacks the ripple effects for college recruiting, NIL money, and the minor leagues. The episode also tracks pro...

Pittsburgh Pirates limp through a .500 road trip, but is the real concern inconsistency or something deeper? Gary Morgan questions whether the Pirates’ current form reflects a playoff-caliber team, dissecting the struggles against the Rockies and Athletics and what it signals for the club’s future.

Key topics include Jared Jones’ injury scare, Bryan Reynolds’ scorching June, ongoing bullpen headaches, and how missing Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin exposes the lineup. Morgan evaluates Don Kelly’s management choices, highlights crucial trends in pitching and hitting, and addresses trade speculation around Carmen Mlodzinski. With the Wild Card race heating up, can th...

The Pirates offense finally woke up at Coors Field as they belted two home runs to defeat the Rockies 8-6 to salvage one game in the series. Nick Gonzales and Bryan Reynolds each homered to lead the Bucs in a 13-hit attack. Jared Jones started but left after three innings after being hit in the arm by a line drive. The Pirates bullpen surprised and held the lead for six innings.

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The Pirates offense was quiet again in this one as they drop their second straight game to the Rockies 2-1. The Pirates had a chance in the 9th inning when they loaded the bases with one out, but could not come through and now face a possible sweep Sunday. Paul Skenes struggled with control early, but settled in to go six innings allowing just four hits and two runs with eight strikeouts. Spencer Horwitz led off the game with his 10th home run of the season.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the weekend series between the Pirates and Rockies. The Pirates offense was silent until the 8th inning where Nick Gonzales would get the go ahead run in. However, the bullpen in the 8th inning had other plans. The offense would rally in the 9th but would come up short. Bryan Reynolds was scratched pre-game but would get a pinch-hit opportunity. Paul Skenes takes the mound tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates aim to reclaim momentum as Paul Skenes faces the unique test of Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. Can the Pirates' rotation and rising stars propel them back into NL Central contention, or will the Rockies' emerging bats and home-field advantage spark another upset? Key matchups feature Skenes’ strikeout prowess versus Colorado's young guns, while Kyle Freeland’s track record challenges Pittsburgh’s lefty struggles.

Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ playoff ambitions, evaluating internal improvements, trade deadline targets like Michael Lorenzen, and bullpen woes that could define their season. The conversation weighs the legitimacy of NL Centr...

Pittsburgh Pirates power past expectations, yet All-Star voting fails to recognize their breakout stars. Why are Brandon Lowe, Spencer Horowitz, Ryan O’Hearn, and Bryan Reynolds being overlooked despite fueling one of MLB’s top offenses? The conversation focused on market size, name recognition, and the flawed online voting system that leaves deserving Pirates out of the spotlight.

The discussion explored the All-Star Game’s fading significance, bullpen struggles, and ways to creatively address late-inning pitching. Key topics include Dennis Santana’s resurgence, Gregory Soto’s closer role, and why bullpen roles are finally stabilizing. Listener questions highlighte...

Nathan breaks down the finale of the three-game series between the Pirates and Athletics. The Pirates offense clobbered the Athletics in tonight's matchup. Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna both went deep. Braxton Ashcraft put together a solid outing against the Athletics in Sacramento. The Pirates will head to Denver to face the Rockies this coming weekend.

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Pittsburgh Pirates surge as Bryan Reynolds puts on a masterclass—two home runs from both sides of the plate fuel a comeback against the Athletics, cementing his status as the engine of this resurgent team. Can Reynolds’ elite .400 OBP and renewed lineup support propel the Pirates into the playoff hunt?

Gary Morgan spotlights Reynolds’ complete season, breaks down Mitch Keller’s rollercoaster outings, and questions the puzzling handling of Marcell Ozuna’s roster spot. Discussion heats up around the Pirates’ bullpen woes, the catching situation with Henry Davis and Joey Bart, and organizational trends like hittable 100 mph fastballs. K...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Athletics. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds powered the Pirates to a comeback victory. Mitch Keller had an odd first inning. Locked On celebrates 10 years.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Athletics. Jared Jones and Carmen Mlodzinski were used as a piggyback tandem, and both struggled. The offense yet again was quiet in the loss. The Pirates are now below .500.

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Locked On Pirates celebrates 10 years with a whirlwind look at a decade defined by breakout stars, heartbreak, and hope. From Starling Marte's electrifying 2016 campaign to Paul Skenes’ transformation of the Pirates’ pitching staff, which season stands as the decade’s most unforgettable? Gary Morgan breaks down iconic moments, including Andrew McCutcheon’s bounce-back, Josh Bell’s historic power surge, and the rise of David Bednar as an elite closer in MLB.

Who leads the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates MVP race—Brandon Lau with his record-setting home run pace, the consistency of Bryan Reynolds, or the electric potential of Oneil Cruz? Morgan...

Pittsburgh Pirates stumble against their Wild Card rivals, exposing glaring inconsistencies in lineup depth and timely hitting. With Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin absent, Gary Morgan questions the current lineup construction and highlights the surging catching situation as Joey Bart returns and Henry Davis lags. Is keeping three catchers the unexpected roster boost the Pirates need?

Gary Morgan gives a granular “audio flip book” review of Bubba Chandler’s season, tracking his command issues, mechanical adjustments, and flashes of brilliance. He tackles tough listener questions about why certain players get extended patience—like Jared Triolo’s defensive value—even...

Nathan breaks down the finale of the weekend series between the Pirates and Marlins. Paul Skenes struck out 10 in today's loss. The Pirates offense went quiet on Sunday morning. The Bucs will head out West to face the Athletics and Rockies this week.

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Pittsburgh Pirates shake up their pitching staff after players demand a new voice—has the change unlocked their true potential? Gary Morgan scrutinizes the impact of Bill Murphy replacing Oscar Marin as pitching coach, examining whether star Paul Skenes and the rotation are finally reaching elite form or if the same old issues linger. The show raises critical questions about the disconnect between player demands, front office decisions, and actual performance on the mound.

Key topics include bullpen construction failures, the roles of Braxton Ashcraft, Gregory Soto, and Wilbur Dotel, and Don Kelly's management style under pressure. Ga...

The Pirates followed a usual script for a loss with their defense and bullpen letting them down in an 8-3 loss to Miami. Wilber Dotel was the culprit in this one giving up four runs in 1.2 innings. Braxton Ashcraft allowed two runs in five innings and exited in a 2-2 game. Endy Rodriguez recorded two hits and belted his second home run of the season and Antwone Kelly made his MLB debut and gave up two runs in 2.1 innings.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face mounting questions as Mitch Keller’s inconsistency clouds their rotation. Is Keller simply regressing, or can he rediscover his form when the team needs it most? Gary Morgan breaks down the right-hander’s perplexing numbers—highlighting alarming issues with Keller’s pitch mix, rising walk rates, and a worrying inability to retire left-handed hitters. With Keller calling his own games and struggles mounting, adjustments behind the plate and on the mound may be imminent for the Pirates’ supposed innings-eater.

Rising prospect Antoine Kelly receives a call-up as Pittsburgh scrambles for reliable bullpen arms, while Rafael Flo...

The Pirates rallied again in this one, but the comeback came up just short as the fall 8-6 to drop the series to the Dodgers. Mitch Keller started this one and was rocked for five runs in four innings making it a long night for the bullpen. The Pirates offense battled back and cut the lead to 5-4 and 8-6. Rafael Flores hit his first MLB home run and drove in two runs. Brandon Lowe belted his team-leading 16th home run of the season.

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Pittsburgh Pirates shock the Los Angeles Dodgers with a dramatic five-run comeback, powered by Tyler Callahan’s unforgettable first MLB home run off Shohei Ohtani. Is this the momentum shift Pirates fans have been waiting for?

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ resilience amidst mounting injuries, including the setback to Oneil Cruz and key updates on Endy Rodriguez and Joey Bart. The episode spotlights standout contributions from Brandon Lowe and Spencer Horowitz, questions the team’s depth, and explores the 2026 Pirates Hall of Fame class—Wilbur Cooper, John Candelaria, and Jack Wilson. From roster adversity to historical mileston...

The Pirates snap a four-game losing streak as they rally from five down to defeat the Dodgers 9-6. Tyler Callihan clubbed two home runs, one of Shohei Ohtani, for four RBIs to give the Pirates the lead in the bottom of the 8th. Jared Jones went four strong innings with one run allowed. The Pirates chased Ohtani from the game in the 7th inning after scoring four runs off him, but still trailed 6-4 until Callihan’s 3-run bomb in the 8th. Ohtani homered off of Gregory Soto in the 9th to cut it to 9-8, but Soto got th...

Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen meltdown overshadows Paul Skenes’ strong outing as Los Angeles Dodgers erupt for ten runs in a single inning. Can the Pirates’ pitching staff rebound before their playoff hopes unravel?

Gary Morgan breaks down the disastrous seventh inning, spotlighting struggles from Wilbur Dotel and a relief corps plagued by inconsistency and lack of leadership. Insights include injury updates on Oneil Cruz and Brandon Lau, questions surrounding Bill Murphy’s bullpen management, and whether the Pirates should call up Esmeralda Valdez. Key topics also feature coaching dynamics, affiliate park factors, and fans’ frustrations with roster decisions. Where do...

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Dodgers. After Paul Skenes went 6 solid innings of work, the Pirates bullpen allowed 10 runs in the top of the 7th inning. Ryan O'Hearn and Bryan Reynolds would hit back-to-back homers in the first but that wouldn't be enough for the Pirates. Jared Jones will face Shohei Ohtani tomorrow as the Pirates will look to bounce back in game two against the Dodgers.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hinge on winter roster planning as bullpen struggles, starting rotation inconsistency, and untapped prospect potential define the season. Can Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller stabilize a shaky rotation, or will injuries and missed opportunities force the front office’s hand before the trade deadline? Gary Morgan spotlights the makeup of Pittsburgh’s bullpen, pressing the need for veteran arms, while questioning whether high-leverage roles can be filled internally.

Emerging talents like third baseman Murph Gray and outfielder Lonnie White Jr. are making noise in the minors, tempting roster shakeups as Esmerlin Valdez’s power ba...