What Spark Pirates Can Find In New Managerial Direction

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a difficult baseball decision Thursday when they relieved Derek Shelton of his managerial duties.

The Pirates have plenty of work with on the mound with a true ace in Paul Skenes, decent rotation depth and top prospect Bubba Chandler on the way. The future on the mound is bright for Pittsburgh, though issues in the batter’s box likely contributed to Thursday’s decision with Shelton.

The Pirates have the second-lowest batting average and the lowest OPS in the National League. Pittsburgh needs to find a greater spark, which Shelton challenged them to do with the bats prior to his departure.

The Pirates still have plenty of baseball ahead, leaving the extended chance for the offense to turn the season around in the National League Central.

More MLB: Pirates Relieve Derek Shelton Of Duties As Pittsburgh Manager