Former Pirates Pitcher Shares Valuable Advice For Scuffling Bullpen

Former Pirates Pitcher Shares Valuable Advice For Scuffling Bullpen originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are one game over .500 entering play on Wednesday, but their record would be even better if they had a capable bullpen.

Unfortunately, the Pirates’ relief corps has been among the worst in baseball this year, ranking 23rd in ERA. The unit has been even worse lately, ranking 25th in ERA since May 25.

Pittsburgh’s bullpen has already cost the team numerous games this season, including on Tuesday night when it allowed 10 runs in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On Wednesday’s episode of Bucs’ Bounty, former Pirates players Michael McKenry and Steven Brault weighed in on the team’s relief struggles.

What does the Pirates bullpen need to do to turn things around?@theFortMcKenry and @SquidBrault discuss on the latest episode of Bucs’ Bounty ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xxMng3jISW

— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) June 10, 2026

Brault, who was a left-handed pitcher for Pittsburgh, thinks the team’s relievers need to “shorten up” and focus on their strengths rather than trying to overcompensate or make unnecessary adjustments. They need to simplify their game plan and rely on the one or two pitches that work best for them.

That’s good advice from Brault, who spent seven seasons in the Major Leagues. Perhaps if Pirates relievers follow it, they’ll get back on track soon.

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