Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup struggles against left-handed pitching are no secret—does Don Kelly’s constant lineup juggling make things better or worse? Gary Morgan exposes the underlying issues causing the Pirates to stall against southpaws, from shaky roster construction to the ongoing debate about balancing power right-handed bats like Nick Gonzales and Password Garcia. Should the Pirates stick w...

The Pirates and Mitch Keller stopped a two-game skid and avoided the sweep with a 4-1 win over the Blue Jays. Keller tossed six strong innings with one run allowed for his 5th win. The Pirates also belted three home runs including Esmerlyn Valdez who recorded his first MLB hit which was a two-run home run to help the Bucs secure the win. Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless 9th inning to earn his 5th...

Nathan breaks down game two of the weekend series between the Pirates and Blue Jays. Patrick Crobin shoved against the Pirates in the loss to the Blue Jays. The Pirates fall back to .500 and as of late are looking exactly like a .500 team. The Pirates will look to salvage game three and a .500 road trip tomorrow.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job...

Nathan breaks down game one of the weekend series between the Pirates and Blue Jays. Bubba Chandler had a solid start, but his defense didn't help him. The young bats were all over the lineup today but didn't have the greatest day in Canada. Dennis Santana struggled in the 9th inning yet again. The Pirates will look to bounce back with Paul Skenes on the mound tomorrow.   Indeed Listeners of this...

Pittsburgh Pirates signal a bold new direction with the call-up of power-hitting prospect Esmerlyn Valdez, raising the stakes for the team’s playoff aspirations. Can Valdez and fellow newcomer Garcia inject enough right-handed power to reshape the Pirates’ offense while Ryan O’Hearn recovers? Gary Morgan breaks down Valdez’s meteoric rise, the strategic decision to move on from Billy Cook, and wha...

Braxton Ashcraft struck out a career high 9 and went seven strong innings to lead the Pirates past the Cardinals 6-2 to take a series from the Cardinals. Brandon Lowe homered for his team-leading 13th blast and Henry Davis belted a solo home run as well. The Bucs also saw production from Marcell Ozuna who had two hits and drove in two runs. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time t...

Pittsburgh Pirates silenced the St. Louis Cardinals with a 7-0 bounceback win—are they quietly boasting one of MLB's best offenses? Gary Morgan examines powerful nights from Konnor Griffin, Nick Gonzales, and Spencer Horowitz, plus analyzes Don Kelly’s latest lineup changes that balanced contact, power, and pressure atop the order. Key topics include the Pirates’ surprising rankings in OPS, walks,...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Cardinals. The Young Bucs on the Pirates Offense came through in a big way in a 7-0 win. Carmen Mlodzinski put together an efficient outing, and the bullpen followed with four shutout innings of relief.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and f...

Pittsburgh Pirates suffer another late-inning heartbreak as bullpen chaos strikes again in St. Louis. Can Don Kelly stabilize the shaky relief corps before the season slips away? Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ blown lead against the St. Louis Cardinals, dissecting key decisions involving Mitch Keller, Evan Sisk, and Gregory Soto. He questions the current bullpen experiment, unclear roles, and...

The Pirates bullpen blew another lead as the Pirates dropped their 4th straight game 6-5 and are now 0-5 against the Cardinals this season. The Pirates rallied to tie the game in the 9th inning, but Ivan Herrera belts a walkoff 3-run home run in the 10th inning to defeat the Pirates. Don Kelly's decision to pull Mitch Keller with two outs in the 6th inning loomed large as Evan Sisk served up a go-...

Former MLB reliever Mike Stanton shares what separates elite pitchers like Paul Skenes, comparing his approach and “ice water” composure to legends such as Doc Gooden. Are the Pittsburgh Pirates unlocking a secret weapon by transitioning young arms through the bullpen before giving them rotation spots—and does this strategy accelerate or risk pitcher development? Host Gary Morgan explores how pitc...

Pittsburgh Pirates face mounting pressure as the bullpen racks up 10 blown saves, shining a spotlight on Gregory Soto, Dennis Santana, and the team's late-inning struggles. Can Carmen Mlodzinski’s return stabilize the pen, or will bold moves shake up the rotation? Gary Morgan breaks down key decisions, from shifting Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones to promoting Wilbur Dotel, and discusses if patienc...

Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Phillies. Paul Skenes and Zack Wheeler faced off, with Wheeler outlasting Skenes. the Pirates offense was silenced yet again in the loss. Injury news around Ryan O'Hearn took place before the game.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20...

Nathan and Ryan break down game two of the three game series between the Pirates and Phillies. Bubba Chandler struggled in a three-inning outing against Philly. Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez dominated the Pirates bats all game long. Ryan O'Hearn exited the game with right quad discomfort.    FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars...

The Pirates blew two big leads to lose to the Phillies 11-9 in 10 innings at PNC Park. Gregory Soto gave up three runs for the blown save in the 9th and then Dennis Santana gave up another three in extras as the bullpen continues to struggle. Brandon Lowe hit two home runs for his team-leading 12 on the year and Marcell Ozuna hit his 5th HR. Braxton Ashcraft started this one going 6.2 innings with...

Pittsburgh Pirates reignite hope as Endy Rodriguez shines behind the plate, sparking fresh debate about the team’s catcher hierarchy. Gary Morgan highlights Rodriguez’s standout performance, breaks down his career trajectory—from minor league dominance to injury setbacks—and scrutinizes whether one breakout game is enough to redefine his role. Is it time to crown a new starting catcher, or are fan...

The Pirates took an early 3-0 lead and held onto it in this one to defeat the Rockies 7-2 and take the series from Colorado. Ryan O’Hearn had three hits and homered for his second straight game. Endy Rodriguez made his 2026 Pirates debut with two hits and two RBIs. And Carmen Mlodzinski held onto the lead after two openers with five innings of 2-run ball for the win. Everydayer Club If you never m...

Pittsburgh Pirates struggle to string together wins despite a strong starting rotation and rising stars like Paul Skenes. Can manager Don Kelly find the right formula to maximize a talented roster and push beyond mediocrity? Gary Morgan scrutinizes the Pirates’ bullpen woes, bench depth issues, and lineup uncertainty, questioning whether players like Justin Lawrence and Yohan Ramirez are holding t...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Rockies. Pirates starter Mitch Keller started the game retiring twelve straight Rockies bats, but in the 5th inning fell apart. The Pirates offense early in the game got in an entertaining rundown play as well. The Pirates will look to take the rubber match in game three tomorrow.   KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app...

Pittsburgh Pirates history is being rewritten as Paul Skenes dazzles with pure dominance—three near no-hitters in four starts and a 1.97 ERA. Is Skenes on track to join the ranks of baseball’s all-time greats? Gary Morgan explores Skenes’ unprecedented rookie impact, the pitcher’s command, and the staggering shift in Pirates expectations. Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ explosive offensive turnarou...

Paul Skenes took a no-hitter into the 7th inning and finished with 10 strikeouts and eight shutout frames as the Pirates cruised to a 3-1 win over the Rockies. Oneil Cruz went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored. Nick Gonzales added two hits and drove in a run and Gregory Soto allowed a run but gets the save. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Joi...

Why do even elite pitchers suddenly lose command, and can throwing harder actually hurt your game? Former Pittsburgh Pirates coach Eric Minshall explains the science behind pitching meltdowns, debunks myths about "reaching back" for extra velocity, and reveals how subtle changes—like the slide step—can shake a young arm’s confidence. What separates Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler from the pack, and...

Pittsburgh Pirates let a winnable series slip away against the struggling San Francisco Giants. Is this a warning sign or just an early hiccup on their promising 90-win pace? Gary Morgan breaks down what went wrong, from questionable lineup decisions to late-inning bullpen struggles, spotlighting players like Isaac Matson and Dennis Santana. The discussion calls out sluggish offense, missed opport...

Nathan breaks down the finale of the weekend series and West Coast trip between the Pirates and Giants. The Pirates bullpen collapsed as the Pirates lost to the Giants 7-6 in 12 innings. The offense had some bright spots as Cruz and Griffin both homered. The Pirates will look to bounce back at PNC Park this week with games against the Rockies and Phillies.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to...

Nathan breaks down game two of the weekend series between the Pirates and Giants. The Pirates offense after a slow week of scoring, hit double digits in the blowout win over the Giants. Braxton Ashcraft once again shoved in a 7-inning outing. The Pirates will go for the series win tomorrow. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment →  https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. In...