Pittsburgh Pirates Bolster Bullpen with Weaver, Yates and Bachar Ahead of Brewers Series

The Pittsburgh Pirates completed three right‑handed reliever acquisitions at the trade deadline, adding former Mets closer Luke Weaver, veteran Kirby Yates from the Angels and versatile Lake Bachar from the Marlins. Weaver arrived on a two‑year, $22 million contract with cash considerations, Yates was obtained for minor‑league pitcher Kyle Robinson, and Bachar was exchanged for prospects including Brandan Bidois. The moves were intended to address the Pirates’ ninth‑worst bullpen ERA and a high number of blown saves.

The new arms debuted in a four‑game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. In the opening game, the Brewers beat Pittsburgh 4‑2; Kirby Yates threw a scoreless eighth inning in his first appearance for the Pirates, while Milwaukee starter Logan Henderson earned his sixth straight win. In the subsequent game, Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison struck out the final eight batters he faced before exiting with a minor injury, and the Brewers again won 4‑2. The acquisitions have already begun to tighten the Pirates’ late‑inning pitching, though the team remains behind the Brewers in the series.