The Pirates rebounded from Saturday night’s disappointing loss to take the series in Cleveland, and it was a seldom-used outfielder who led the way.

Greg Brown has the story.

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Manager Donnie Kelly says the whole team played well against the Guardians, led by Skenes and Cook.

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Kelly says Skenes gave the Pirates exactly what they needed.

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On Pirates Insider on WCCS yesterday, general manager Ben Cherington gave an update on some injured Bucs.  First baseman Spencer Horwitz and catcher Endy Rodriguez are expected to begin rehab assignments within a week to ten days and pitcher Evan Sisk has begun throwing again, but will take long because of the return-to-ply protocol for pitchers.

Cherington also explained why outfielder Oneil Cruz is going to be out of action for longer than projected after Cruz was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Saturday.

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The Pirates have until 5 PM on July 27th, a week from today, to sign their draft picks, so they have a lot of work to do between now and then.  They’ve signed their fifth through tenth round picks, but no one else, including first rounder Derek Curiel.

Cherington says he’s comfortable with the pace of the contract talks.

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The Pirates are currently tied with the Cardinals and Diamondbacks for the third and final National League Wild Card playoff spot and are ten-and-a-half games begins the Brewers, tied with the Cardinals for third in the NL Central.

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