August’s reputation as the “dog days of summer” in Major League Baseball is proving true for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024.
After a promising surge into the Wild Card race in July, the Pirates have hit a rough patch, losing 10 consecutive games and slipping to the bottom of the National League Central.
The team boasts promising young players like Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, and Jared Jones, suggesting a brighter future. However, it’s uncertain if current manager Derek Shelton will be around to lead them.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Monday that Shelton, who is in his fifth season with the Pirates, might face dismissal or changes to his coaching staff at season’s end.
Since taking over in 2020, Shelton, 53, has overseen a 276-393 record (.413 winning percentage). After three consecutive last-place finishes, his tenure has shown mixed results. The Pirates began both 2023 and 2024 with promising starts—leading the NL in wins last season and starting 11-5 this year—but have been plagued by lengthy losing streaks, including the recent 10-game slide.
Although a playoff push seems unlikely this year, Shelton’s future isn’t entirely decided. Teams have often turned around their fortunes with a strong finish, but Shelton is clearly under pressure as the season progresses.