Pirates Bad Week Exposed Some Real Concerns

Mitch Keller Looks Cooked

The Pirates lost 9-5 to the Nationals, and somehow the offense was not the biggest issue. Mitch Keller was hit hard again, Isaac Mattson struggled out of the bullpen, and the pitching staff continues to look like a much bigger problem than anyone expected. DiNardo, Tyler break down Keller’s rough outing, the pressure on Bill Murphy, why the Pirates may need more than just bullpen help at the deadline, and why Esmerlyn Valdez continues to be one of the only bright spots right now. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates Can’t Take Esmerlyn Valdez Out of the Lineup

Esmerlyn Valdez delivered the biggest swings in the Pirates’ series finale against the Phillies, but his recent production is becoming about more than one good game. Alex Stumpf explains why Valdez has earned an extended opportunity as an everyday player, the improvements he is already showing at the plate and why the Pirates cannot justify giving Marcell Ozuna more at-bats right now. Could Valdez simply take hold of an outfield job and keep it for the rest of the season? OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Subscribe to Alex Stumpf’s Book-Rule Bucs Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Paul Skenes Slump Is Getting Serious

Alex Stumpf joins NS9LIVE! to discuss Paul Skenes’ current struggles and his nine-start losing streak. What has happened to the velocity, splinker and breaking pitches that made Skenes nearly unhittable, and is fatigue beginning to become a legitimate concern? The crew also breaks down the Pirates’ catching situation as Endy Rodriguez continues to hit his way into a larger role. Then, they close the show with Esmerlyn Valdez, who has quickly become one of the most exciting Pirates rookies in years while producing a 191 wRC+ through his first 64 plate appearances. Read Alex’s full breakdown at Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/p/nine-thoughts-on-skenes-nine-game Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pirates Split Series in Philly Behind Esmerlyn Valdez's Magic Bat

The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 to earn a series split, with Esmerlyn Valdez once again at the center of the offense. Cody and Neil break down Valdez’s three RBI and first career triple, Jared Jones’ encouraging four-inning start, Carmen Mlodzinski’s three scoreless innings and clean work from Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery as the Pirates finally put together a complete win in Philadelphia. Presented by FanDuel. The NS9 Postgame Show is powered by Primanti Bros. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pittsburgh Pirates coverage throughout the season. Cody and Neil break down Valdez’s three RBI and first career triple, Jared Jones’ encouraging four-inning start, Carmen Mlodzinski’s three scoreless innings and clean work from Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery as the Pirates finally put together a complete win in Philadelphia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino Are Coming Fast

The Pirates are sending Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino to the MLB Futures Game, and Alex Stumpf believes both could become mainstays in Pittsburgh sooner rather than later. Hernandez has 100 strikeouts in 62⅓ innings and the competitive mindset to match, while Florentino combines major power with an advanced approach and impressive makeup. On today’s OffBeat, Alex explains why both prospects could finish 2026 in Altoona and why Hernandez may eventually share a Pirates rotation with Paul Skenes. Presented by FanDuel. Read more from Alex at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.