WAKE-UP CALL: Pirates Struggle vs Cardinals, Spencer Horowitz CONTINUES to Shine Consistently

Pittsburgh Pirates stumble through a tough division stretch—can they bounce back with Bubba Chandler and Paul Skenes set to take the mound? Spencer Horwitz quietly emerges as a model of consistency, raising questions about how his steady approach could anchor a young and volatile lineup. Is the Pirates’ offensive improvement enough to support their revamped pitching staff and reverse recent struggles? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ latest adversity against the St. Louis Cardinals, highlights Horwitz’s underrated production, and scrutinizes lineup decisions that limit his role. The conversation covers Braxton Ashcraft’s rare off-night, bullpen management, and whether the analytics-driven approach matches real-world results. Plus, as MLB coaching firings surge, Gary Morgan reflects on Derek Shelton’s ouster, Don Kelly’s impact, and the potential pitfalls of dramatic mid-season changes elsewhere. Are the Pirates truly turning a corner, or will growing pains persist against NL Central rivals?