The Pirates became relevant again during the last three seasons thanks in large part to the rotation triumvirate of Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano and A.J. Burnett. Liriano is struggling through his worst season as a Pirate, while Burnett retired last offseason. If the Pirates are to get back in the playoff hunt this year, or if they will be in the mix in future seasons, it will likely be around the pitching trio of Cole, Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow.
Glasnow made his major league debut last Thursday. The Pirates sent him back to Triple A after the start, but the belief is that he’ll be back in Pittsburgh shortly after the All-Star break.