Pittsburgh Pirates News

Rowdy Tellez  • 1B  •  Pirates

Rowdy Tellez Goes Deep In First Game Of Doubleheader

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman and designated hitter smashed a two-run homer in a pinch-hit appearance during the Pirates' 5-3 loss on Saturday in the first game of their doubleheader. Tellez pinch-hit for Connor Joe in the bottom of the seventh and hit the two-run shot, his 13th of the season, off Nationals' right-hander Jacob Barnes. The lefty added on a walk in the bottom of the ninth before being pinch-ran for. The 29-year-old has started to turn things around after starting the season off very cold in April and May, hitting for an .853 OPS and knocking 11 of his 13 HR since June. Tellez's fantasy value is still somewhat subsided as he's mainly used as a platoon option vs right-handers, but he remains a solid option going forward. He's in the starting lineup for game two against Nationals left-hander Mitchell Parker and will likely sit on Sunday against Nationals' lefty Patrick Corbin. Fantasy managers should plan appropriately.
0 hour ago   
Rowdy Tellez  • 1B  •  Pirates

Rowdy Tellez Riding Pine In Game 1 Of Doubleheader

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez finds himself on the bench for Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday at PNC Park against the Washington Nationals with a left-hander on the mound. Connor Joe will make the start at first base and will bat seventh for Pittsburgh against Nationals rookie left-hander DJ Herz. Tellez has only 42 plate appearances against southpaws in 2024 and has gone 8-for-37 (.216) against them with two of his 12 homers on the year, so it's no surprise he's on the bench in this one, especially with two games on tap on Saturday in Pittsburgh. Joe, 32, represents a low-upside, deep-sleeper option for DFS lineups in the first game of the twin bill to kick off the action on Saturday. He has never faced Herz in his career and is hitting .245 (34-for-139) with three of his nine home runs on the year against left-handed pitching.
6 hours ago   
Andrew McCutchen  • DH  •  Pirates

Andrew McCutchen Returns For Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) is back as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Bucs on Friday against the Washington Nationals and rookie left-hander DJ Herz at PNC Park. McCutchen missed the last two games dur go lingering soreness in his knee, which has already landed him on the injured list this year, but he's feeling better now and is ready to go for the weekend. The 37-year-old former MVP is obviously no longer the player he was in his prime when he was an All-Star for five straight seasons from 2011-15 with the Pirates, but he can still provide serviceable numbers in deeper fantasy leagues when he's healthy. Since Aug. 2, he's hitting .333 (15-for-45) with five home runs, two doubles and 16 RBI in 13 games played. McCutchen has never faced Herz in his career.
Yesterday   
Joey Bart  • C  •  Pirates

Joey Bart Returns To Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated catcher Joey Bart (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list on Friday and designated outfielder Billy McKinney for assignment in a corresponding move. The Pirates have yet to release their starting lineup for Friday's contest at PNC Park against the visiting Washington Nationals and rookie left-hander DJ Herz, but Bart is likely to be in it, either behind the plate or at designated hitter. The 27-year-old former San Francisco Giants catcher returns quickly from a mild left-hamstring strain and should split playing time behind the dish in Pittsburgh the rest of the way with veteran Yasmani Grandal. Bart has been much more valuable in fantasy than Grandal and has enjoyed a change of scenery in the Steel City, hitting .272 (53-for-195) with a career-high 12 home runs and 39 RBI in 63 games since joining the Bucs.
Yesterday   
Aroldis Chapman  • RP  •  Pirates

Aroldis Chapman Notches Sixth Save

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was called upon to record the final two outs of Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals. The Pirates were leading by five runs, but got into some trouble during the final frame. They brought in Chapman to put out the fire, which he did with ease. The southpaw recorded his sixth save of the season on Thursday. He appears to be the favorite to lock down saves in Pittsburgh with David Bednar being removed from that role. Fantasy managers looking for help with saves should check the waiver wire to see if Chapman is available.
Yesterday   
Andrew McCutchen  • DH  •  Pirates

Andrew McCutchen Still Dealing With Knee Issues

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday against the division-rival Chicago Cubs because his knee was a "little cranky" when he showed up to the field. "He's 37 years old, and some days he wakes up and feels better than he does. He's still available," Shelton said. The Pirates probably could have used McCutchen on Wednesday, as they were no hit by lefty starter Shota Imanaga and two relievers in an 12-0 blowout loss. McCutchen recently returned from a stint on the injured list due to inflammation in the same knee, so this isn't a great sign. In four games since his return, he's gone 4-for-15 with two homers and six RBI. With McCutchen out on Wednesday, Oneil Cruz was the DH and Michael Taylor got the start in center field. The Pirates aren't going to rush the aging veteran back into the lineup at this point.
2 days ago   
Domingo Germán  • SP  •  Pirates

Domingo German Making A Start On Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Domingo German will make the start for the Pirates on Wednesday at Wrigley Field against the division-rival Chicago Cubs. The addition of German to Pittsburgh's rotation will give the team's young starters a little extra rest as we near the stretch run of the 2024 campaign. The 32-year-old German has a rough 6.11 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings over six outings (one start) at the major-league level in 2024. He did toss six shutout innings with four walks and four strikeouts in his one start on Aug. 21 against the Texas Rangers, though. Since then, he's surrendered 10 earned runs on 11 hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out seven in just 5 2/3 innings. The matchup against Chicago isn't a terrible one, but German should only be considered by desperate fantasy managers in the deepest of leagues.
3 days ago   
Paul Skenes  • SP  •  Pirates

Paul Skenes Improves To 9-2 Tuesday

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes turned in another excellent start in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Cubs. Skenes pitched five innings, allowing four hits and four walks with six strikeouts on 100 pitches. The 22-year-old rookie has lived up to the hype this season as one of baseball's top prospects, going 9-2 with a 2.13 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and an 11.21 K/9 rate in 19 starts and 114 IP. His performance has put him in the National League Rookie of the Year conversation and has made him a high-end fantasy option on a start-by-start basis. He will have another opportunity to showcase his skills in his next start, which will be a favorable matchup against the Nationals.
3 days ago   
Isiah Kiner-Falefa  • 3B  •  Pirates

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Heads To The Bench

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs. This is a rare day off for Kiner-Falefa who has played in every game since he joined the Pirates. The 29-year-old has struggled with a .223/.263/.321 slash line with one home run and seven RBI in 27 games with Pittsburgh. He was tearing the cover off the ball before heading to Pittsburgh, so hopefully a rest day will help him get back on track. In his place, Alika Williams will cover shortstop and bat ninth versus right-hander Jameson Taillon. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option as Williams only has two hits in his last five games.
5 days ago   
Andrew McCutchen  • DH  •  Pirates

Andrew McCutchen Sitting Out On Sunday

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This appears to be a routine rest day for the 37-year-old veteran slugger. McCutchen is 3-for-8 with four RBI since returning from the injured list a few days ago. It appears some time off might've helped McCutchen get back on track with his bat. On Sunday, Oneil Cruz will serve as the designated hitter while Bryan De La Cruz plays right field versus right-hander Alex Cobb. Fantasy managers who have McCutchen rostered should adjust their lineups.
6 days ago   
David Bednar  • RP  •  Pirates

David Bednar Removed From Closer Role

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.
Aug 30   
Andrew McCutchen  • DH  •  Pirates

Pirates Reinstate Andrew McCutchen From Injured List

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Friday that they reinstated outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) from the 10-day injured list and placed right-hander Ben Heller (shoulder) on the 15-day IL in a corresponding move. The Pirates haven't released their starting lineup for Friday's contest versus the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, but McCutchen is likely to be in it against right-hander Ben Lively as the DH. The 37-year-old veteran didn't need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing two weeks due to inflammation in his left knee. He'll be returning to a .235/.336/.405 slash line with 16 home runs, 40 RBI and 59 runs scored in his 378 at-bats this year. Fantasy managers will be hoping he can pick up where he left off in August after going 11-for-30 (.367) with three homers and 10 RBI from Aug. 2 through Aug. 16.
Aug 30   
Bryan Reynolds  • LF  •  Pirates

Bryan Reynolds Homers In Three-Hit Day

Pittsburgh Pirates DH/outfielder Bryan Reynolds went 3-for-5 with a home run, a walk, two RBI, and three runs scored in Wednesday's 14-10 loss to the Cubs. It was the second time the 29-year-old has gone yard in the last three games and he's now hit safely in seven of his last eight, going 11-for-32 (.344) over that stretch. The 2x All-star is putting together another productive season, authoring a .282-21-74-62-7 line with a .350 wOBA and 123 wRC+.
Aug 29   
Bubba Chandler  • SP  •  Pirates

Bubba Chandler With Another Strong Outing At Triple-A

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Bubba Chandler continued his impressive run for Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, logging another five innings in which he allowed just one run (zero earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out five batters. The outing lowered his ERA at Triple-A to 1.17 over four starts (23 IP) to go along with a 0.91 WHIP and 6:28 BB:K. The former third-round pick has performed better as the competition has increased, posting a 4.75 ERA over 24 starts at High-A in 2023, then a 3.70 ERA in 16 starts at Double-A in 2024, then going on this impressive four-game stretch at the highest level of the minors. Chandler looks primed to make his big league debut next season, so even redraft managers will want to keep tabs on his performance over the final weeks of the season.
Aug 29   
David Bednar  • RP  •  Pirates

David Bednar Allows Five Runs, Blows Sixth Save

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar imploded once again in Wednesday afternoon's loss to the visiting division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, allowing five runs and taking his sixth blown save of the season in the defeat. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning, Bednar gave up two hits and three walks while recording just two outs on 28 pitches before being mercifully pulled from Wednesday's disastrous outing against the Cubs. Besides tallying 23 saves for the Pirates this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has struggled all year long in Pittsburgh, posting a 6.32 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 47 frames. It wouldn't be surprising to see veteran southpaw Aroldis Chapman get more save chances going forward.
Aug 29   
Hunter Stratton  • RP  •  Pirates

Hunter Stratton Has Knee Surgery, Out 7-10 Months

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Hunter Stratton (knee) underwent surgery on Monday to fix a patellar tendon rupture in his left knee and is expected to be out for seven to 10 months. Stratton's 2024 season is over after he suffered the serious knee injury over the weekend. Depending on how his rehab goes this offseason, the 27-year-old's availability for the start of the 2025 campaign will be in question. The former 16th-round pick in 2017 out of Walters State Community College appeared in eight games out of the bullpen in his rookie season in 2023 before throwing 37 2/3 relief frames for the Pirates in 2024, sporting a 3.58 ERA (3.25 FIP), his first career save, a 1.17 WHIP and a 33:7 K:BB. Like this year, Stratton won't be on the fantasy radar at all.
Aug 28   
Ke'Bryan Hayes  • 3B  •  Pirates

Ke'Bryan Hayes Still Being Evaluated

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still in the process of "learning more" about third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes' back injury, and there is no timetable for his return right now. The Pirates have fallen even further out of playoff contention after a sweep at the hands of the division-rival Chicago Cubs this week, so it wouldn't be a surprise at all if we didn't see Hayes at all again in 2024. The 27-year-old is on the injured list for the second time in 2024 with back issues and may need a surgical procedure, depending on what the team finds in their evaluations. Playing at less than 100% has led Hayes to regress further offensively, hitting .233/.283/.290 with only four home runs, 25 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 365 at-bats. Jared Triolo is benefitting from a starting role at third base in Pittsburgh now that Hayes is on the shelf again. The priority for the Pirates at this point is just getting Hayes healthy for 2025.
Aug 28   
Rowdy Tellez  • 1B  •  Pirates

Rowdy Tellez Injured On Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez (undisclosed) was forced from Wednesday's loss to the division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park early due to an undisclosed injury in the eighth inning. Before departing the 14-10 loss, Tellez had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Tellez likely injured himself running to first base in the bottom of the seventh inning, but there is no word on the specific nature of his injury. The good news is Pittsburgh has an off day on Thursday, so if the 29-year-old's injury isn't serious, he could be back in action for Friday's series opener at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians. If Tellez misses extended time with whatever is ailing him, Connor Joe, who replaced Tellez at first base on Wednesday, would benefit from extra playing time at the position.
Aug 28   
Andrew McCutchen  • DH  •  Pirates

Andrew McCutchen Gets Through Full Workout

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder/designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (knee) recently got through a full workout that included running the bases. McCutchen thinks he's ready for a return, and the team is discussing a plan for his next step. The 37-year-old veteran is already eligible to come off the 10-day injured list, but the Pirates may want to send him on a short minor-league rehab assignment first. The Bucs have fallen firmly out of playoff contention at this point, so there's no reason to rush the aging outfielder back onto the field. He's been sidelined since the middle of August with inflammation in his left knee. The former MVP has managed to produce modest power yet again in 2024 with 16 home runs and 40 runs driven in with an above-average .741 OPS in 101 games played in his 16th year in the big leagues.
Aug 28   
Marco Gonzales  • SP  •  Pirates

Marco Gonzales To Have Elbow Surgery, Out 9-12 Months

Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Marco Gonzales (elbow) will undergo surgery to fix a flexor tendon in his left elbow in September and is expected to have a recovery timetable of nine to 12 months. It's bad news for a 32-year-old who already had surgery on the same elbow for a nerve issue last August. Gonzales was actually ready on time for the start of the 2024 season but predictably underwhelmed in his seven starts, going 1-1 with a 4.54 ERA (4.71 FIP), a 1.60 WHIP and a very weak 15.2% strikeout rate in just 33 2/3 innings pitched on the season. He's most likely going to miss at least the first half of the 2025 campaign and will be a free agent this fall once the Pirates turn down his $15 million club option. Gonzales probably isn't going to have many suitors this winter and will need to prove his health next summer before probably having to settle for a minor-league deal somewhere.
Aug 28   
LEGEND
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