Are the Pittsburgh Pirates in DANGER of Losing the Season After Pitching Breakdowns?
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The Locked On Pirates podcast tackles a critical moment in the 2026 season, addressing widespread panic over the team's recent pitching struggles against the Cardinals. Host Gary Morgan argues that while the Pirates' rotation had its worst week since the season began, this doesn't signal a broken team—just a temporary convergence of bad luck and timing. He distinguishes between fixable issues, like lineup construction and aggressive lineup management, and deeper systemic problems, such as the catching situation and lack of a reliable right-handed power hitter. Morgan emphasizes that the Pirates are still a competitive team with strong individual performances, including multiple players reaching 20+ RBIs in April—a historic first for the franchise. He urges fans to avoid overreacting to a single series and instead focus on what can be changed: lineup optimization, trusting proven hitters, and adjusting to matchups. The episode ends on a hopeful note, reminding listeners that the Pirates are still a 500 team entering May, with plenty of room to grow and prove their resilience.
The Pirates' pitching slump was a temporary, multi-game convergence of bad luck—not a sign of a broken rotation.
Fixable issues include lineup optimization (e.g., moving O'Neal Cruz down), trusting strong hitters regardless of handedness, and avoiding over-reliance on veteran catchers.
The team has historic April achievements (three players with 20+ RBIs) and remains a competitive 500 team entering May.
Avoid panic-driven decisions—focus on what can be changed, not what can't.
The Pirates are not a bad team; they’re a good team having a bad week that needs to prove they can adapt.
Panic vs. Perspective: Is the Pirates' Season in Jeopardy?
“This team isn't equipped to really do any kind of wholesale change here anyway.”
Fixable Problems: Lineup Management and Hitting Adjustments
“You don't have to be Derek Shelton. Please don't. But change the lineup when it ain't working.”
Unfixable Challenges: Catching, Power Hitting, and Roster Depth
“They will not trust him as much because he's not a veteran. I know. It sounds crazy. I know. You don't want to believe me. But it's true.”
Context Matters: The Pirates Are Still a Competitive Team
Morgan shifts to a broader perspective, highlighting the Pirates’ progress since 2025. He cites historic April achievements, including three players with 20+ RBIs—a first in franchise history—and notes the team is still 500 entering May. The NL Central’s collective strength underscores that the Pirates are not alone in their struggles.
Final Message: Focus on What You Can Control
The episode closes with a call to action: stop pretending the unfixable doesn’t exist, but also stop overreacting. The Pirates are not broken—they’re a good team having a bad week. The real test is whether they can adapt and prove it with their next series.
“They will not trust him as much because he's not a veteran. I know. It sounds crazy. I know. You don't want to believe me. But it's true.”
“You don't have to be Derek Shelton. Please don't. But change the lineup when it ain't working.”
“With Brandon Lau's homer yesterday, the Pirates now have three players with 20-plus RBIs in April. That is something that this franchise has never done before.”
Host
Pittsburgh Pirates
other
Gary Morgan
person
Cardinals
other
Brandon Lau
person
O'Neal Cruz
person
Spencer Horwitz
person
Joey Bart
person
Henry Davis
person
Marcelo Zuna
person
Jared Jones
person
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