Pittsburgh Pirates fall 6-4 to San Diego Padres on June 2, 2025. Manny Machado shines for Padres; Paul Skenes' one-run loss streak hits three. Roster moves announced.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another Monday, another frustrating chapter for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The bats remained stubbornly quiet in a 6-4 series finale loss to the San Diego Padres, a defeat made even more bitter by the fact that it marks the third straight one-run loss when ace Paul Skenes has taken the mound. As the offensive woes deepen, the front office made some moves, hoping to inject some life into a struggling squad.
The Pirates have now lost three straight games in which ace Paul Skenes started, each by a single run.
The series finale against the Padres felt like a familiar script. Manny Machado set the tone early with a first-inning homer and later delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly, ultimately leading San Diego to a 6-4 victory. While the Pirates showed some fight, they once again failed to consistently string together hits or deliver the big blow needed to overcome their opponents. This loss extends a concerning trend of offensive futility that has plagued the team throughout the season, making it incredibly difficult to secure wins.
Recognizing the need for change, or at least fresh arms and bats, the Pirates announced a trio of roster moves ahead of their upcoming series against the Houston Astros. Right-handed pitcher Kyle Nicolas has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, likely to bolster a bullpen that's been under pressure and potentially offer a spot start if needed. In a more encouraging sign for the lineup, second baseman Nick Gonzales has been activated from the 60-day injured list. His return could provide a much-needed spark and infield depth. To make room, first baseman Nick Solak was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis, clearing space on the 40-man roster. Fans will be eager to see if these adjustments can make a tangible difference on the field.
The statistics don't lie, and right now, they paint a bleak picture for the Pirates' offense. The loss to the Padres was yet another instance where the team couldn't manage to score more than five runs. This isn't an isolated incident; it's a pattern. The Pirates currently hold the unfortunate distinction of having the second-worst run differential in Major League Baseball (excluding the Rockies) and have allowed the most runs of any team in the league. Perhaps most painfully for the fanbase, the team has now lost three consecutive games started by phenom Paul Skenes, all by a single run. It's a tough pill to swallow when your ace is dealing, but the run support simply isn't there.
As the Pirates prepare to face a tough Houston Astros squad, the questions loom large. Can the return of Gonzales and the addition of Nicolas provide the necessary jolt? Or will the offensive struggles continue to define this season? One thing is certain: something needs to click, and soon, if the Bucs hope to turn this ship around and give their fans something to cheer about beyond Skenes' starts.
