The Pirates lost 6-2 to the Rangers on June 22, 2025, as Bailey Falter struggled and Bryan Reynolds' return wasn't enough. Can they fix their offense?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a familiar, frustrating story at PNC Park on Sunday. Despite the welcome return of star outfielder Bryan Reynolds, the Pittsburgh Pirates' offense remained dormant, leading to a 6-2 loss against the Texas Rangers. The defeat sealed another series loss and pushed the team's dismal record to 30-48, deepening a slump that has fans wondering where the runs will come from.
The Pirates' offense ranks 30th in MLB in both runs scored (247) and home runs (53).
Any hope for a Sunday turnaround quickly faded as starter Bailey Falter struggled on the mound. The lefty was tagged for five runs over just 4.1 innings, unable to keep the Rangers' bats at bay. His counterpart, Jack Leiter, had no such issues, cruising through six innings while allowing just two runs. The Pirates' offense managed a meager six hits, with the only signs of life coming from RBI singles by Ke'Bryan Hayes and Henry Davis. The return of Bryan Reynolds from the paternity list was a welcome sight, but he couldn't provide the needed spark, going 0-for-4 in his first game back. It's a clear sign that the team's problems run deeper than one player's absence.
This isn't just a bad stretch; the Pirates' offense is statistically one of the worst in baseball. As of June 22, the team sits dead last in the majors in both total runs scored and home runs. Their .225 team batting average is also near the bottom, ranking 28th. What makes this so frustrating is that the pitching, while not elite, has been respectable. The staff's 3.85 ERA is 13th in MLB, a mark that should be good enough to win games if the lineup provided even average support. Instead, solid pitching performances are being wasted day after day.
Don't expect immediate reinforcements to solve the problem. The injured list remains crowded with key contributors. The rotation misses the fire of rookie Jared Jones, the lineup misses the potential of Endy Rodriguez at first base, and the bullpen is without reliable lefty Ryan Borucki. With these players, along with Malcom Nunez and Jase Bowen, still sidelined, the current group is what the Pirates have to work with, and so far, it's not been nearly enough.
For fans looking for any reason for optimism, top prospect Griffin is providing it down in the minors. The athletic phenom is turning heads with his versatility, getting reps at both shortstop and center field. Coaches are raving about his development, and a recent highlight-reel diving catch has created a buzz throughout the organization. While his arrival in Pittsburgh isn't imminent, his progress is a crucial reminder that there is talent in the pipeline, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
As the losses pile up, the pressure mounts. This team has now lost seven of its last eight games, and the offense has hit rock bottom. The return of Reynolds was a positive step for morale, but the results on the field remain the same. The Pirates desperately need to find a spark from somewhere, anywhere, to pull out of this nosedive. Until they do, it's going to be a long, trying summer for the Buccos and their fans.
