◆NEWSPirates make a roster move ahead of the series◆ROSTERSent RHP Chris Devenski on a rehab assignment to FCL Pirates◆HOT BATEsmerlyn Valdez: .294 AVG, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 1.356 OPS (last 2 weeks)◆LAST GAMEEsmerlyn Valdez 1-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI◆NEWSPirates checking in on bullpen help◆ROSTERSigned RHP Griffin Stieg◆ON THE BUMPJared Jones: 0.82 ERA, 17 K (last 2 weeks)◆ROSTERSigned LHP Dakota Stone◆STATNick Gonzales ranks 3rd in the NL in batting average (.309)◆ROSTERSigned RHP Liam O'Leary◆STATPaul Skenes ranks 4th in the NL in strikeouts (138)

OffBeat

Paul Skenes Is Ours And He's Spectacular

Sep 19 · 01:14:21

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Episode Notes

We push back on the national trade chatter and lay out why the Pirates shouldn’t entertain it—period. From roster construction to timeline, we talk realistic paths to keep your ace in Pittsburgh and what an early-career plan could look like. Then we dive into Rafael Flores’ surprise call-up and debut. Why adding him now (9/18) makes sense for the 40-man, what we saw in his first game (hard contact, first MLB knock, drew a walk), and how his bat profiles alongside the current lineup. We also break down MLB’s new “recovery period” rule for amateurs—what it changes for scouting HS/college arms and how it could shape future drafts.