The Pittsburgh Pirates had struggled in the month of June but despite the 40-40 record the Bucs are still three games out of a Wild Card spot.
What’s clear is the team has to improve before this year’s MLB Trade Deadline, and that marker is quickly approaching. With limited time, the Pirates have to accomplish these three things before the deadline passes.
Add to the bullpen
The biggest issue right now with the bullpen is that there isn’t a single pitcher that you can rely on in the late innings. Guys like Mason Montgomery,
Gregory Soto, Yohan Ramirez and Denis Santana have been too inconsistent. Since there has been that inconsistency that has put a lot of pressure on the starting rotation which of late has been shaky as well. Going six innings isn’t enough anymore, as turning the ball over to the pen is a gamble manager Don Kelly seems hesitant to play.
The Bullpen right now ranks 18th in the league with a 4.38 ERA. That needs to improve if Pittsburgh wants to stay in the National league Wild Card race.
The Pirates adding Hunter Stratton is fine but its not a piece that will completely change the bullpen and make them better. A reunion with Aroldis Chapman is something that could work. Antonio Senzatela from the Colorado Rockies is another pitcher that could come in and change the bullpen for the better.
Finding a consistent DH
Consistency can go a long way for this team, especially offensively. The Bucs made a big move in the offseason to bring in 35 year old veteran Marcell Ozuna as the designated hitter. However, Ozuna has struggled with a .201 batting average and six home runs with 25 RBIs.
Those stats don’t warrant him starting on an everyday status. The Buccos have been putting different guys like Bryan Reynolds, Henry Davis and Spencer Horwitz. The lack of consistency in this lineup is caused by injuries to Konor Griffin and Oneil Cruz. It’s clear to me that the Pirates need to move on from Ozuna, and it starts by finding someone they can put at the DH spot everyday that can produce.
Add another outfielder
With Oneil Cruz expected to miss more time, the Pirates really need to find another outfielder. Jake Mangum hasn’t been horrible but Billy Cook and Tyler Callihan aren’t reliable options.
Even when Cruz comes back he could be the reliable designated hotter that the pirates need. His defense is still not great and there is nowhere else on the field to put him. I don’t think Bryon Buxton is realistic but someone like Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles could be someone to target and be that reliable piece with Ryan O’Hearn and Bryon Reynolds.
Adding another strong right handed bat like Ward would help the lineup as well with the injury of Konnor Griffin.
