Pirates’ failure to make adjustments looming large

The Pirates have lost eight of their last 10 and are 31 games under .500 at 49-80.

Pittsburgh is in the basement of a poor NL Central, fading faster than the rebuilding Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds.

In a division where it was clear the Cubs and Reds were going to struggle, the Pirates had a shot at claiming third behind St. Louis and now slumping Milwaukee. Instead, they’re 2.5 games out of fourth and 5.5 back of third.

Derek Shelton’s squad lost seven games in a row, including a three-game sweep against the Braves Atlanta at PNC Park, failing to make necessary adjustments to change the trajectory.

Between the bullpen, defensive lapses, and poor decision making, the Pirates have not shown…