With two wins, five losses, a .286 win percentage, 31 runs against, and just 19 runs scored, the Pirates are already 2.5 games back on their division after just seven games.
This problem hasn't come from the Pirates' top starting pitchers, with all-star Paul Skenes leading the way. Skenes has pitched 12.1 innings going into Friday and already has solid numbers in his two outings. He has only given up six hits, two earned runs, and has recorded 13 strikeouts in two starts.
The Pirates' starting pitchers fall in line after Skenes, though, with numbers below his commanding pace, but still solid for the Bucs. Bailey Falter gave up seven hits and two earned runs in one start.
Mitch Keller, an all-star in 2023, has also been pitching well, with a 1.50 ERA and just one earned run given up in his previous start. Keller is set to take the mound Friday during the PIrates home opener against the Yankees.
The problems, however, arise from one major issue for the Bucs: relief pitching. Last season, the Pirates had four standout relief pitchers. Kyle Nicolas , a 26-year-old, posted a 3.95 ERA, but is pitching in AAA. Colin Holderman, a 29-year-old, posted a 3.16 ERA in ‘24; and Aroldis Chapman, a 37-year-old, posted a 3.79 ERA, along with 14 saves for the Pirates last season. Chapman is now pitching for Boston, and has a 0.00 ERA this season with one save in 2025.
However, David Bednar, who had a 2.00 ERA and 39 saves in over 67 innings pitched in 2023, was sent down to the minors four days ago on April 1. Some fans thought this was an April Fools' joke, but the real joke is Bednar's 27.00 ERA this season, and blowing two games for the Bucs.
The Pirates will play the Yankees Friday. The Yanks, are causing a stir in professional baseball with something called a “torpedo bat.” In professional baseball, many players focus on the "sweet spot," a part of the bat that leads to solid hits. Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt, a 48-year-old, is behind the manufacturing of these torpedo bats.
Leanhardt explained the inspiration for his creation:
“I think the eureka moment came when players pointed to where they were trying to hit the ball and noticed that this wasn't the fattest part of the bat. They realized the tip was the fattest part of the bat. Then, everyone looked at each other like, ‘Well, let’s flip it around. It’s going to look silly, but are we willing to go with it?’”
The Yankees have already racked up 19 home runs in just five games this season. For reference, the Pirates have only hit four in their seven games.
The first pitch is set for 4:12 pm at PNC Park, with fans ready for opening day. The probable starters are:
PIT- Mitch Keller vs. NYY- Max Fried
(pic courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)