Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates fans ride a roller coaster of emotions as a wild series against the Washington Nationals sparks debate over Don Kelly’s game management and lineup choices. After a commanding 16-5 victory and a narrow 5-4 loss, calls for drastic changes and critique of the 26th roster spot ignite. Gary Morgan spotlights standout pitching performances from Carmen Mlodzinski, Mason Montgomery’s opener role, and clutch moments from Ryan O’Hearn and Bryan Reynolds as the Pirates showcase their versatility on the mound and at the plate.

Key topics include questions around Nick Yorke pinch-hitting for Brandon Lowe with bases loaded, handling of top prospects like Konnor Griffin, and lingering concerns over Jose Urquidy’s bullpen role. Morgan examines the Pirates’ organizational depth amid Indianapolis struggles, the impact of coaching changes, and how Bill Murphy’s calming influence might reshape the rotation. The show closes with a touching tribute to Jackie Robinson’s legacy, underscoring baseball’s ongoing pursuit of inclusion and fairness.

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Pittsburgh Pirates surge as Bryan Reynolds finally steps up—does this new lineup have postseason potential? Brian Reynolds and Oneil Cruz shake off last season’s burdens, producing clutch hits and relaxed approaches in key moments. Gary Morgan spotlights Reynolds’s soaring .290 average, improved situational hitting, and how strategic DH days keep him fresh, sparking optimism for long-term success.

Pirates fans worried about third base? Nick Yorke and Nick Gonzales deliver league-average production, outperforming expectations and showcasing growth potential. Gary weighs the impact of Henry Davis’s improved contact, the struggle of Konnor Griffin at shortstop, and the timeline tied to Jared Triolo’s injury return. The episode tackles player development, roster juggling, and why patience for young stars could pay off big. Is this the balanced offense Pittsburgh needed to finally compete in the NL Central?

 

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Turbo Tax

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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Pittsburgh Pirates are proving their hot 9–6 start is no fluke—just tight margins and resilient play. Can Paul Skenes and the revamped lineup keep them in the NL Central hunt? Gary Morgan highlights key stats showing the Pirates’ offense is generating chances but struggling with runners in scoring position, while homers and a strong .702 team OPS signal real progress. On the mound, the rotation’s sparkling 2.75 ERA contrasts with a walk-prone bullpen that’s so far survived by limiting damage and keeping balls in the yard.

Find out how bullpen shakeups (hello, Evan Sisk) and the coaching staff’s strategic caution are influencing results. Gary unpacks the competitive NL landscape, from the Dodgers’ dominance to the Reds’ offensive gaps and the Cardinals’ emerging young talent. Are the Pirates truly built to contend, or are their narrow victories masking deeper issues? The numbers—and Gary—offer answers.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

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5-Hour ENERGY

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Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Pittsburgh Pirates notch a crucial series win over the Chicago Cubs, yet questions linger about lineup struggles and bullpen management. Can Nick Yorke and Oneil Cruz’s hot bats compensate for Marcel Ozuna’s slump and a taxed relief corps? Gary Morgan offers sharp insights on standouts like Ryan O’Hearn’s leadership, Brandon Lowe’s steady presence against lefties, and Henry Davis’s defensive growth. The episode spotlights looming roster decisions—will Spencer Horwitz and Jake Mangum hold their spots as prospects like Esmerlyn Valdez push for promotion? Plus, a heartfelt tribute to Phil Garner, the legendary “Scrap Iron” at the heart of the Pirates’ 1979 World Series run. With divisional tests looming against the Washington Nationals, the Pirates’ early season resilience is put under the microscope.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

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5-Hour ENERGY

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Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Pittsburgh Pirates aim to keep the Chicago Cubs pinned near the NL Central basement as key players return from injury and pitching matchups could tip the balance. Are depth issues threatening the Cubs’ season outlook? Gary Morgan previews the high-stakes Wrigley Field series, spotlighting arms like Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and breakout Pirates including Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft. Can hitters like Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna deliver at the plate, and will the Pirates capitalize on Chicago’s bruised roster?

Speaker A tackles burning questions about base-stealing strategy, Esmerlyn Valdez’s promotion prospects, and the challenges of adjusting Pirates’ lineup. Insightful commentary covers the latest on City Connect uniforms, the controversial “cone,” and which NL Central player would be a game-changer addition. With a pivotal divisional stretch ahead, can the Pirates maintain their edge and rewrite the season narrative?

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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