Pirates are back in the playoff hunt
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Esmerlyn Valdez is powering the Pirates back into postseason contention. Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
The Pirates are still in the race for a playoff spot — so if you dropped off, yinz better start paying attention again.
Why it matters: The Pirates haven't made the postseason since 2015, but the team is closer than it has been in a decade.
The latest: As of Tuesday, the Buccos are tied for the third and final wild card spot in the National League.
- It's the first time since 2015 that the Pirates have had a wild card spot after the All-Star break.
Catch up quick: Offense has been the Pirates' calling card so far this season, and as of Tuesday they had the second-most runs of any team.
- Free agent signings first baseman Ryan O'Hearn and second baseman Brandon Lowe have paid off.
- Pitching has been a letdown, and even Cy Young winner Paul Skenes has been mediocre by his standards.
- The bullpen has been bad and cost the teams many games.
Between the lines: ESPN labeled the Pirates as "contenders in the mix" at the All-Star break and gave the team about a 32% chance of making the playoffs.
Stunning stat: Rookie right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez hit 13 home runs with 33 RBIs in his last 32 games, one of the most explosive starts to a career in MLB history.
- His bat could help propel the Pirates to the postseason.
What to watch for: Trade rumors are swirling around the Buccos as the team is looking for star relief pitchers.
- Former Pirate Aroldis Chapman has been mentioned, and outfielder Oneil Cruz could be on the chopping block.
- The trade deadline is Aug. 3.
State of play: Health will play a huge part in the Pirates' stretch run. Rookie phenom Konnor Griffin is out until September with a finger injury.
The bottom line: Though a lot still has to go their way, the Pirates are the best chance Pittsburgh has right now to end our dubious playoff winless streak.
What's next: The Pirates play a doubleheader at the New York Yankees Wednesday at 1:05pm and 7:05pm, since Tuesday's game was canceled due to rain.