There are many reasons the Pirates have lost 14 of their past 19 games and are now sitting in fourth place in the National League Central Division despite their hot start. The schedule has gotten tougher, the bullpen has struggled, they haven’t gotten enough out of Gregory Polanco, and Sean Rodriguez is in the starting lineup way too often.
Those reasons are legitimate, but the Pirates can likely fix most of them. The schedule softens up after the All-Star break. The bullpen is talented but inexperienced and will likely improve as the relievers gain experience. The Pirates have rookie Austin Meadows on the roster, so Polanco will either produce or become the fourth outfielder.