Pirates Power Rankings: Uphill Climb Continues in Wild Card Race

The Pirates went 3-3 last week, although they easily could’ve gone 6-0: squandered opportunities and fatal missteps contributed to three one-run losses. While fans might end up pointing to that bungled stretch as the moment things changed should the season go south, Pittsburgh remains very much in the heat of the playoff picture as things stand right now. They’re 3.5 games out of the third and final wild card spot with just three teams to leapfrog as a crowded playoff field begins to thin out.

With their next two weeks spent facing teams currently holding a winning record, the Pirates could begin to bow out of the race… or pick up statement wins to keep their season alive. Here’s a look at how national media outlets rate their current performance.

• CBS Sports kept the Buccos at No. 16 for the third week in a row, pointing out Colin Holderman’s recent tailspin.
• USA Today promoted the Pirates one spot to No. 18, noting Bryan Reynolds’ penchant for clutch home runs: 11 in the past two months.
• Bleacher Report slotted Pittsburgh in at No. 18, toward the front of the “Still Alive, Lots of Work to Do” category. The outlet pointed out that they’re well within striking distance—as opposed to NL Central rivals like the Reds and Cubs—but it’s an uphill climb to distinguish oneself in the dogfight that is the National League’s playoff picture.
• NBC Sports put the Pirates at No. 17 in their monthly rankings, praising the club for buying (however modestly) at the deadline and calling on the club to “let it rip” with regard to their young rotation.