Pittsburgh Pirates Three Stars of the Week: July 4-10

It was an overall successful week of baseball for the Pirates. After an unusual off day on the Fourth of July, the Pirates split a quick two-game series with the first place Yankees at PNC Park. The Bucs then traveled to Cincinnati where they split a doubleheader with the division-rival Reds. Pittsburgh wrapped up the week by taking two out of three in Milwaukee.

As usual, there were a few performances that stood out above the rest. Here are the Pirates three stars from the past week.

Third Star: Roansy Contreras – 1-0, six innings, four hits, one earned run, one walk, seven strikeouts, one start

Contreras got the start on the mound for the Pirates in the first game of the doubleheader against the Reds and delivered a strong six-inning performance. It was the first time in his career that the young right-hander worked six innings in a start. He was mostly dominant against the Reds, picking up his third win of the season.

The Ro Show pic.twitter.com/9YzRMOb3sc

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 7, 2022

The Pirates have since optioned Contreras to Triple-A Indianapolis, citing workload management.

Second Star: Bryan Reynolds – .389/.542/.556, 7 for 18, three doubles, three runs, four walks, seven games

After a slow start to the season, Reynolds has looked much more like the player he was last year when he was named a National League All-Star. That continued this week as Reynolds helped to pace the Pirates offense by delivering hits and consistently reaching base. He got it done on both sides of the ball.

Robbed by Reynolds. pic.twitter.com/uIBewwLPqC

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 6, 2022

Reynolds was removed from Sunday’s game with what the Pirates called right side discomfort — a situation to monitor moving forward.

First Star: Daniel Vogelbach – .300/.364/.700, 6 for 20, two doubles, two homeruns, six RBIs, two runs, two walks, six games

Vogelbach continued his strong season with a very strong week at the plate. The Bucs designated hitter drove the ball for power and delivered six RBIs from the heart of the lineup. Three of those RBIs were picked up on one swing, a clutch three-run homer to pad the lead in the ninth against Milwaukee on Sunday.

Big Dan, Big Fly pic.twitter.com/QGZFwjrpLB

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 10, 2022

The Pirates have a full week of baseball before the All-Star break. It begins on Monday night with the start of a four-game series with the Marlins in Miami. The Bucs then head out west for a three-game trip in Colorado. Check back next week for the Bucs top three performers from the week ahead.