Pirates
Pirates Power Rankings: Injury Bug Contributes to Slide

The Pirates went 2-4 last week, dropping a home series to St. Louis before going 1-2 against the New York Mets to start a four game series that will conclude Monday, July 8. The losses might not even be the worst of Pittsburgh’s woes, as starting pitchers Jared Jones and Bailey Falter both hit the Injured List after getting banged up during their starts.
Despite the bad news, most national media outlets seemed divided on where to rank Pittsburgh in the weekly power rankings. They hovered around No. 20 for the most part, but some outlets moved them up a few spots in spite of their poor performance; others demoted them accordingly. Here’s their rationale for doing so.
- The Pirates dropped four spots to No. 21 in MLB.com’s power rankings, which noted the rash of injuries to Pittsburgh’s starting rotation… asking if the club will double down in their pursuit of a postseason spot or get ready to punt on the season.
- CBS Sports demoted the Pirates two spots to No. 20, making the case for Oneil Cruz to join the All-Star Game festivities in the Home Run Derby.
- Bleacher Report clocked the Pirates at No. 21, praising them as an exciting team—albeit one not ready to contend yet.
- USA Today promoted the Pirates one spot to No. 21, calling attention to Paul Skenes’ otherworldly talent.
- theScore moved the Pirates from No. 20 to No. 18, once again praising Skenes for his recent tear.