The week ahead
at Yankees
7:05 p.m. Monday (SN PIT)
7:05 p.m. Tuesday (SN PIT)
12:35 p.m. Wednesday (SN PIT)
• The Pittsburgh Pirates’ post-All-Star break gauntlet of facing playoff-caliber teams continues next week with a visit to Yankee Stadium. As the final portion of the regular season commences, the Yankees are locked with the Rays in a battle for the AL East crown. First baseman Ben Rice has emerged as the club’s primary offensive producer. He has hit a team-high 29 homers with 68 RBIs. Cam Schittler has been solid on the hill, going 9-5 with a 2.05 ERA. Will the Pirates face former hometown hero David Bednar while in the Bronx? The Mars native, traded to New York in late July last year, has been sharp for the Yankees in 2026, converting 18 of 20 save opportunities while posting a 2.70 ERA.
vs. Cubs
6:40 p.m. Friday (SN PIT)
6:40 p.m. Saturday (SN PIT)
1:35 p.m. Sunday (SN PIT)
• Yinzerpalozza Weekend returns to the North Shore as the Cubs visit PNC Park in what could shape up to be a critical series between two NL Central foes jockeying for wild-card positioning. Heading into the All-Star break, the Cubs sat 4 1/2 games ahead of the Pirates in the division and held the first of three NL wild-card spots, which the Pirates continue to eye. Pete Crow-Armstrong, fresh off an All-Star appearance, is batting .291 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs, and Mt. Lebanon native and certified Pirates killer Ian Happ has 17 homers with 42 RBIs. As a staff, the Cubs rank 21st in baseball with a 4.33 team ERA (the Pirates are 20th at 4.32). The Pirates are 4-3 vs. the Cubs in 2026 and have outscored them 32-29.