◆NEWSPirates Acquire Johnathan Rodríguez◆ROSTEROptioned RF Johnathan Rodríguez to Indianapolis Indians◆HOT BATEsmerlyn Valdez: .222 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 1.002 OPS (last 2 weeks)◆LAST GAMEBrandon Lowe 2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI◆NEWSWhite Sox Acquire Jose Urquidy◆ROSTERBaltimore Orioles traded RF Johnathan Rodríguez to Pittsburgh Pirates for cash◆ON THE BUMPPaul Skenes: 19 K (last 2 weeks)◆ROSTERSigned RHP Damarcus Rideout-Carter◆STATNick Gonzales ranks 3rd in the NL in batting average (.315)◆ROSTERDesignated C Shawn Ross for assignment◆STATBraxton Ashcraft ranks 6th in the NL in strikeouts (135)

Bucco Brew

Hits Are Coming. Clutch Runs Aren’t. First Impression of 2026 Pirates.

Mar 30 · 01:06:21

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Episode Notes

On this episode of Bucco Brew, we give our first real thoughts on the Pirates through the opening series of the season. The offense has shown signs of life and the hits are there, but the big hit hasn’t come often enough and it’s left this group searching for runs in key spots. We also dive into Carmen Mlodzinski’s first look as a starter in 2026, including the early impact of his new splitter and curveball and what it could mean moving forward. Then we wrap things up with Jim’s trip to Indianapolis to watch the Indians and some of the Pirates’ top prospects, with a special focus on Konnor Griffin and why he continues to be one of the most exciting names in the system.