Is it possible for a team to rally from 5 games back at this point in the season? The Guardians were 10.5 games out this time last year and not only did they make the playoffs, they won the AL Central. The Tigers were 9.5 games out in September 2024 and made the postseason. But those teams went on monumental winning streaks that we haven’t seen from the Pirates all season. The Pirates have the worst team in baseball coming into PNC Park this weekend – do they have to sweep?
Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason told us Konnor Griffin will be activated and play tomorrow, as far as he understands. Jason expects Griffin to play at SS, but we could also see some games at DH. How possible is it for Griffin to come back and help this team to the postseason? The guys asked about Khristian Curtis and why we don’t see him much despite good results. Jason thinks the Pirates need to have 85 wins to make the playoffs, which would mean a 16-5 finish. Jason said left-handed pitching has been a reason why the team hasn’t put together a nice winning streak because facing them has been such a bugaboo. How can the Pirates configure things in the field since Nick Gonzales is such a liability at 3B while carrying a good bat? If the Pirates get to 82-80 or 83-79, Jason believes Bob Nutting will be ‘OK’ with the season’s result. Does Jake Mangum help the Pirates win more than Esmerlyn Valdez right now?
Manager’s Minute – What did Don Kelly say after the Pirates win?
