Pittsburgh Pirates Surprise Start

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

April 17, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ surprise start has their fans hoping they are finally arriving as a competitive team. This team has missed the postseason for seven straight years. This start might be the thing that turns it around. Several things have played into the Pirates starting the season in a positive way, including their offense and their bullpen.

Offense

They are currently 9–7 through this past Sunday’s game. They’re currently ranked tenth in home runs and 13th in slugging percentage despite the fact that they’re ranked 25th in team batting average. They have won all three of the one-run games they’ve played. That is important since last season they were six games below .500 in one-run games.

Bryan Reynolds has been exceptional through the team’s first 16 games. He currently leads the team in hits, average, home runs, and RBI. He was named the NL Player of the Week (April 10) after slugging four home runs and recording 12 RBI. Reynolds has also put aside any talk on his contract extension with the team wanting to stay focused on being one of the better hitters in the National League.

Bullpen

Another reason for this surprise start has been bullpen, which has been dominating. The Pirates had the second-worst ERA in baseball last season, but this has been a strength through their first 16 games. Closer David Bednar has four saves, and a 1.29 ERA. Fellow reliever Colin Holderman has settled nicely into the role of Bednar’s set-up man. He has five holds, and has yet to give up a run in eight innings. While both Dauri Moreta, and Duane Underwood Jr. gave up multiple runs in games this past week, each been effective in high-leverage situations.

The starting staff has also helped. Also contributing is the fact that the starters have been going deep into games, too. They have posted eight quality starts, thus far. If this holds up, the bullpen could be discussed in a much different manner with the way the Pirates are winning games.

Andrew McCutchen

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ surprise start can also be attributed to the return of outfielder Andrew McCutchen. One of the most popular players ever in this storied franchise, he played for the Pirates from 2009 until 2017 posting strong hitting numbers, and excellent defense in centerfield. He was traded to San Francisco Giants for Reynolds, then a prospect in the Giants’ organization.

The veteran outfielder returned home to serve as a mentor and teacher to a young group of players, and help this team get back to winning. The Pirates appear to be benefitting greatly from his presence. He is second in all offensive categories behind only Reynolds. What he has already provided early on to the players in terms of leadership, and by his example is an important aspect of this team’s winning.

Oneil Cruz Injury

They need an intangible asset to help keep them competitive. Losing their up-and-coming star Oneil Cruz, could be what they are looking for. Cruz will miss at least four months after undergoing surgery on his fractured left ankle. An injury like this could rally the players to either win for their injured teammate, or to show they can win without him. Either way, it’s good for the team. And, when Cruz returns, his talent can only make them better.

Outlook

The Pirates’ surprise start has been fun but, of course, it needs to be tempered. It is still very early in the season. They will most likely go through slumps as the season proceeds. But there is no contradicting that they are playing good baseball at the moment. It gives the team confidence moving forward, especially if they can maintain their current quality. If the team can find a way to improve on 14 blowout losses, like they had last year, and the starting pitching holds up, they could be looking at challenging the .500 mark.