The Latest Breaking News from Pirates

With a roster in flux and top prospects still in the farm system, progress often is hard to discern — especially early in the season. But Ross sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will face the Chicago Cubs in MLB action on Friday afternoon from Wrigley Field.

MILWAUKEE — Loud, powerful strikes do not happen often against Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes, as the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner takes immense pride in keeping opposing bats quiet. That much was evident when Burnes had an MLB-best 2.43 ERA in 28 starts last year and allowed a…

The news of Ke’Bryan Hayes’ contract extension last week was met with a lot of approval from both Pirates fans and media alike. Hayes was given the largest contract in franchise history as he signed for eight years and $70 million.

MILWAUKEE — Zach Thompson paced around the pitcher’s mound in the bottom of the fourth inning Monday, looking like a mechanic unable to get an engine running or a plumber unable to stop a leak.

PITTSBURGH — Whether it’s the result of a shortened spring training or some unusually brisk temperatures for this time of year, the Pirates have made a habit out of slow starts and playing from behind during the first nine games of this season.

PITTSBURGH — It’s only eight games into the season, but the Pirates have already enjoyed a crash course on what’s possible when you get competent pitching. And it doesn’t matter how it comes. Just keeping the other team remotely in check allows the offense to do its thing.

PITTSBURGH — In the last two games before Friday, the Pirates had staked their opponent a lead in the first inning before climbing back to win.

PHILADELPHIA — When Jackie Robinson stepped out on to Ebbets Field in 1947 in the alabaster Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, “American apartheid flashed into view like wicked lightning,” in the words of author Roger Kahn. A tempest of change had arrived and its impact would be felt across America extending way…