The Latest Breaking News from David Bednar

PITTSBURGH — Jack Suwinski thought about the question for a second and laughed: When was the last time he hit leadoff? Tampa last year, Suwinski eventually recalled (correctly). As far as his last single ... well, different story.

BET ON IT: Pirates in contention in woeful NL Central which would mean big profits for early backers.

After decades of supporting poor, young baseball players as they began their professional careers, minor league host families have officially been phased out

DENVER — Before the Pirates began a three-game series against the Rockies at Coors Field, Jack Suwinski had questions for Connor Joe, who called this place home the previous two seasons.

PITTSBURGH — Who said the Pirates lost a leadoff hitter who’s blazing fast and can also hit homers?

BOSTON — The breadth of a baseball season, 162 games in all, allows for these beauties, the back-and-forth, nothing-ever-seems-right affairs. On Monday in Boston, two popups were dropped, a single off first base scored a run, and the Pirates and Red Sox combined for six home runs.

Meet the All-Stars who will play for the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

PITTSBURGH — There was a time when Miguel Andujar’s presence on the Pirates would have been a big deal.

PITTSBURGH — Everything about Thursday night’s Pirates game against the Chicago Cubs felt a little off.

PITTSBURGH — In a game where the Pirates faced arguably the best starting pitcher in the National League in right-hander Sandy Alcantara, their offense was pesky, persistent and productive, Pittsburgh tying the game in the ninth to force extra innings and threatening again in the 10th.

MIAMI — Pablo Lopez, even while inefficient at times, did his job Wednesday. The Miami Marlins’ right-handed pitcher had a no-hitter through four innings and ultimately allowed just one hit and one run over five innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.