REASSESS: Should Pittsburgh Pirates Option Bubba Chandler to AAA?

Pittsburgh Pirates face a critical development crossroads as Bubba Chandler struggles on the mound—should the team send him to Triple-A or try a bullpen reset? Gary Morgan highlights Chandler’s mental and mechanical challenges, the growing tension between player growth and playoff ambition, and why a temporary demotion might unlock his potential. Meanwhile, the Pirates’ bullpen woes continue to derail close games, as Johan Ramirez and Lawrence battle inconsistency. Brandon Lowe emerges as an All-Star lock, leading the charge with elite power numbers and all-around play, positioning himself as the National League’s top second baseman. Topics also include Termarr Johnson’s AAA struggles, the immediate futures of Bailey Falter and Andrew McCutchen, and Endy Rodriguez’s case to claim the starting catcher job from Joey Bart. Can the Pirates’ young core deliver stability and spark a postseason push, or will roster decisions define their fate? Find out as Gary Morgan breaks it all down.Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.comor on Amazon.   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.