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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

That’s game. Pirates 4, Tigers 2. It’s a winning season. Pirates finish 82-80.

Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Noah Murdock is here for game 162. Evan Sisk optioned. Oneil Cruz is not in the lineup today, but the tests on his left knee were clean. Club is calling it a contusion.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Konnor Griffin — who was born 296 days after Justin Verlander’s MLB debut — singles off the future Hall of Famer

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Ben Cherington spoke to media in Detroit. Some takeaways: His conversations w/ Bob Nutting have been about the future. Search process for a domestic amateur scouting director is underway. MLB staff to be evaluated, but believes “we’ll be working with a lot of the same group.”

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Oneil Cruz is the third Pirate with back-to-back 20 homer, 30 stolen base seasons. He joins Barry Bonds (1990-1992) and Andy Van Slyke (1987-188).

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We’ve got plenty of time to complain about missing the playoffs and the lockout and everything that annoyed us in 2026. There’s also only 27 innings of Pirates baseball left this year, and who knows when inning 28 will be. Do yourself a favor: watch some ball this weekend. youtu.be/ssea5hkEgWM?...

youtu.be

Enjoy These Last 27 Innings of Pirates Baseball

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

For the fifth time in 34 years, the Pirates will not lose more games than they win. Win No. 81 is a 2-1 win over the Cardinals. This will be the second time since 2000 where they will finish ahead of the Cardinals in the NL Central

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

RHP Camilo Doval has been claimed off waivers by San Francisco. He was DFA’d by the Pirates Tuesday

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Paul Skenes is the third Pirate to ever have back-to-back 200 strikeout seasons, joining Bob Veale (1964-66) and Ed Morris (1885-86)

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The Pittsburgh chapter of the BBWAA announced their yearly Pirates awards today. Brandon Lowe won the Roberto Clemente Award (Team MVP). Braxton Ashcraft won the Steve Blass Award (Top Pitcher). Jake Mangum won the Chuck Tanner Award (Media Good Guy).

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

The Pirates came into 2026 with a stated goal of making the playoffs. They were officially eliminated from contention last night. I took a look at the 10 reasons why the Pirates are spending their 11th straight October at home for Book-Rule Bucs: bookrulebucs.substack.com/p/stumpf-10-...

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Oneil Cruz lines a ball into the seats in right. That’s their 172nd home run as a team, a new single-season franchise record. Pirates trail 2-1 in the fourth

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Last year, I spent a week covering the Brewers in the playoffs. As they prepared to spray champagne yet again last night — this time at PNC Park — I reflected on some things that stood out and how they are always playing October. youtu.be/FwQicTFKq84?...

youtu.be

What the Pirates Can Learn From the Brewers

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Carmen Mlodzinski had a higher WPA in 1 2/3 innings Sunday than he did in his first three months of being a reliever this season. He’s pitched meaningful innings in three tight wins over the last seven games. Why not just let him be a demon in this role? youtu.be/oKPWsvwJ8IY?...

youtu.be

The Pirates Finally Figured Out How to Use Carmen Mlodzinski

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Since Dave Parker left in 1983, the Pirates have had only eight winning seasons. The stated goal was the playoffs, period, full stop. A .500 season with no postseason is a disappointment at best and a failure at worst, but would it count for, well, anything? youtu.be/M6CGrmVo0Gc?...

youtu.be

Does a Winning Record Actually Matter for the Pirates?

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Ryan O’Hearn is expected to start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis Tuesday

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Trailing 6-1 in the eighth, Oneil Cruz swipes second for his 100th career steal. He is thrown out at third for the final out of the inning on the next pitch, going for career steal No. 101.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Jared Jones got 19 whiffs with his slider tonight. That’s the most for a Pirate in a single game in the pitch tracking era (since 2008). The previous record holder was Ian Snell with 16 on 6/11/08

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Jack Wilson was my favorite Pirate growing up. He is a more than worthy addition to the team HOF, but it raises a question. How will this team honor the best players from the portion of their history that’s just decades of losing? youtu.be/VHKfwuI7OTE?...

youtu.be

Jack Wilson & the Forgotten Years of Pirates Baseball

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Konnor Griffin has been activated off the 60-day IL. Christian Bethancourt has been DFA’d. Isaac Mattson has been recalled and Brandon Eisert optioned to Triple-A.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Today’s grid is Puerto Rican players who hit three homers in a game for the Pirates

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Pirates beat the Giants, 5-2. It’s their third straight series win, their longest streak of the season.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

From the Pirates: Konnor Griffin is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment tomorrow with Double-A Altoona. He is eligible to return from the injured list on Friday.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The Pirates tried to acquire Endy Rodríguez throughout 2020, believing if the Mets got a look at him in games after the COVID season, they wouldn’t trade him. Four seasons in, all the Pirates have gotten is a look at Endy, and his future is up in the air. youtu.be/yHdGd9UCQoQ?...

youtu.be

Endy Rodriguez’s Future With the Pirates Is Now in Question

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

From Pirates: catcher Endy Rodriguez underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his left hip Wednesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd in Nashville. Rodriguez is expected to resume baseball activities within seven to nine months.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez — who was DFA’d when Oneil Cruz was activated off the 60-day IL — has been claimed off waivers by the Athletics.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The Pirates have acquired catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Yankees for cash considerations

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Rafael Flores Jr. just hit a pinch-hit homer. It’s the 82nd home run the Pirates have hit at PNC Park this year, a new stadium record

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Paul Skenes’ velocity has dipped pretty significantly in 2026. There are plenty of theories why, but if you compare his mechanics this season to when he was throwing 102 in ‘24, there are some clear differences. Read my article for free at Book-Rule Bucs: bookrulebucs.substack.com/p/stumpf-ske...

bookrulebucs.substack.com

Stumpf: Skenes’ mechanics could be culprit for velo dip

Paul Skenes’ velocity is drastically lower in 2026 and his motion is noticeably longer

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Konnor Griffin has been cleared to transition out of the split, per director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. The plan is for him to go to Florida after this homestand and swing a bat/catch a ball at the end of the week.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Oneil Cruz has been activated off the 60 day injured list. He isn’t in tonight’s lineup. Nick Gonzales is in the lineup. Yohan Ramírez is also back and active. Corresponding 40 man move for Cruz to come.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Nick Gonzales just chatted with reporters. He isn’t starting tonight but is available off the bench. He was checked for a concussion and was cleared.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

From the Pirates: Second base prospect Termarr Johnson has been diagnosed with tears to the ACL and LCL in his left knee. He is due to be examined by Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas next week. Johnson suffered the injury running to first base last weekend with Triple-A Indianapolis.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Pirate pitchers who have thrown a complete game on 85 or fewer pitches, since pitch counts started being formally tracked in 1988: Doug Drabek 9-30-90 Jeff Karstens 7-15/2011 Braxton Ashcraft 8-13-26

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Murf Gray has gone from a 2nd round pick last year to a top 100 prospect. His growth as a hitter is a big reason why. We sat down to go in-depth with his swing, his approach at the plate and the type of player Pittsburgh is getting for today’s OffBeat: youtu.be/a3CbisEhTtE?...

youtu.be

Meet Murf Gray: One of the Pirates’ Fastest-Rising Prospects

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz is starting a rehab assignment today with Triple-A Indianapolis, per source.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

From Pirates: RHP Ron Marinaccio, who was designated for assignment on Monday, has been claimed off waivers by Cincinnati.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Bonus episode of OffBeat. The Marcell Ozuna contract was puzzling to start, justified only by trying to get a righty slugger after adding so many lefties. It didn’t work, to the point that the best way to get better against LHP is addition by subtraction: youtu.be/DF2u7HDGK44?...

youtu.be

BREAKING: Pirates Finally Release Marcell Ozuna

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Sources: Pirates are calling up INF/OF Ronny Simon. He has slashed .330/.419/.470 with 33 stolen bases for Triple-A Indianapolis this season, mostly playing corner outfield. He had a brief cameo with the Pirates last year and returned as a Minor League free agent this winter.

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Reposted by Alex Stumpf

Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Pirates’ bullpen was one of the worst in baseball. They got a drastic overhaul Monday and now look like a group with some potential. Which is good, because they need to lead the charge considering all the questions with the rotation. My free column: open.substack.com/pub/bookrule...

open.substack.com

Stumpf: The bullpen got its upgrade; now it needs to carry the staff

There are too many questions around this rotation, so the new-look bullpen needs to lead the charge

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

open.substack.com

Stumpf: The bullpen got its upgrade; now it needs to carry the staff

There are too many questions around this rotation, so the new-look bullpen needs to lead the charge

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

A couple more righties to the bullpen. Source confirms Pirates have acquired Lake Bachar from the Marlins and Kirby Yates from Angels.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Source confirms the Pirates have acquired RHP Luke Weaver from the Mets for INF Sammy Stafura (who was acquired last year in the Ke’Bryan Hayes trade)

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

The Mets have claimed C Shawn Ross off waivers. The Pirates designated him for assignment earlier this week

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

New article on the Camilo Doval trade. The Pirates get much needed experience in the bullpen, a lively fastball and a good change of scenery candidate. He also has a pitch that’s holding him back and a horrible split in a key team weakness. Free to read: open.substack.com/pub/bookrule...

open.substack.com

Stumpf: Doval a risk worth taking, but doesn't fix most glaring needs

Doval is a change of scenery candidate, but he could contribute to the bullpen's biggest problem

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Source confirms the Pirates are acquiring RHP Camilo Doval from the Yankees for prospects Omar Alfonzo and Luis Cruz. Doval is 3-1 with a 4.54 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 39 2/3 innings. Sinker averages 98.6 mph. He was an All-Star with Giants in 2023. Jeff Passan first on trade.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The Pirates’ bullpen has more losses (23) than saves (21). They have allowed 187 runs from the 7th-9th inning, the 2nd most in MLB. Their 4.83 ERA in the 7th-9th is one of the worst in franchise history. They don’t just need bullpen help. They need a stud youtu.be/9s69IIKm0YY?...

youtu.be

The Pirates MUST Fix Their Bullpen Before the Trade Deadline

YouTube video by North Shore Nine

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Some quick Pirate injury updates: Oneil Cruz has been cleared for all baseball activities. Evan Sisk is expected to start a rehab assignment Thursday. Seth Hernandez will be out 6-8 weeks with an oblique injury. Looking at the Minor League calendar, his season might be over.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Don Kelly says Spencer Horwitz is dealing with a concussion and is being evaluated by the club. He was hit in the head with a pitch during his rehab assignment.

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Alex Stumpf @alexjstumpf.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

“It feels pretty close to 100%,” Valdéz said in a media scrum, via interpreter and coach Stephen Morales. The expectation is he will be in the Pirates’ lineup. He took swings right before meeting with media.

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