The Pittsburgh Pirates currently hold a 34-32 record and sit in third place in the NL Central. The club completed a road trip in Atlanta over the last 24 hours. They experienced a 3-2 loss on Sunday. This loss resulted in a three-game series sweep at the hands of the Braves.
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MLB Game Recap
The Pirates dropped Sunday’s series finale 3-2 despite an early lead provided by a Spencer Horwitz leadoff home run. Bulk reliever Bubba Chandler was dominant through six innings. He allowed just one hit. The Braves rallied in the seventh after an error. Two walks loaded the bases. Michael Harris II then delivered a pinch-hit, three-run double off Evan Sisk to provide the deciding margin for Atlanta.
Standout Performer
Spencer Horwitz: 2-for-3, 1 HR (8), 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB. Horwitz provided the game’s initial spark with a 411-foot home run to right-center. He later added an infield single. This performance extended his current on-base streak to 15 games.
Key News & Notes
General manager Ben Cherington confirmed Sunday that second baseman Brandon Lowe avoided a fracture. Lowe fouled a ball off his knee on Saturday. He is currently considered day-to-day. To bolster infield depth, the Pirates selected the contract of Davis Wendzel from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. Additionally, pitcher Chris Devenski was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Top prospect Konnor Griffin is facing a more “relaxed timeline” for his recovery from an elbow strain.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Indianapolis: Rafael Flores Jr. went 2-for-3 with a walk in a 3-0 shutout loss to the St. Paul Saints. Despite putting traffic on the bases early, the Indians could not capitalize and finished the series with a 3-3 split.
- Double-A Altoona: Titus Dumitru finished 2-for-5 with a two-run home run (9) in a 4-0 shutout win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The Curve pitching staff combined for a one-hitter, led by five scoreless innings from Wietgrefe.
- High-A Greensboro: Yordany De Los Santos went 4-for-7 with two home runs and four RBIs in a high-scoring 16-14 victory against the Asheville Tourists. The win featured a combined 29 hits and 30 total runs between the two clubs.
- Single-A Bradenton: Luke Scherrer went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run (3) in a 9-5 loss to the Jupiter Hammerheads. Scherrer’s ninth-inning blast provided a late spark, but the Marauders could not overcome a four-run third inning by Jupiter.
- FCL Pirates: No Game Scheduled
Deep Dive: Pirates Clear Winners of Big Offseason Trade
The December 19, 2026, three-team trade involving the Rays and Astros has emerged as a massive victory. It is a significant triumph for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ front office. The deal brought second baseman Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh. It also brought outfielder Jake Mangum and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery to the Pirates. In return, they exchanged these players for Mike Burrows.
Lowe has been the standout, slashing .258/.343/.535 with 15 home runs, leading all National League second weigh-ins in power categories. He is the second-fastest player in Pirates history to reach 15 home runs. He is also the first second baseman to achieve this since 2015. Jake Mangum has provided critical outfield depth and speed, batting .294 with nine stolen bases, while Montgomery has been a reliable bullpen arm and “opener,” posting a 3.91 ERA.
In contrast, Mike Burrows has struggled significantly in Houston, posting the highest ERA (5.66) and WHIP (1.54) of any qualified MLB pitcher this season. He also leads the American League in home runs allowed with 15. As Lowe observed regarding Mangum’s recent success, “He’s the all-time leader in the SEC for a reason. The talent’s there… It’s just getting him out there and letting him show the world”. This trade has effectively addressed multiple roster needs for Pittsburgh while providing elite production at second base.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates return home to PNC Park on Tuesday, June 9. They will open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Paul Skenes (6-5, 3.09 ERA) is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Dodgers Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.74 ERA).
The sweep in Atlanta was tough. Pirates fans could not have received better news this weekend. Brandon Lowe avoided a serious knee injury.
