Brewers’ latest playoff win exposes the Pirates’ most frustrating unfinished business

Writer Emma Lingan argues that the Milwaukee Brewers' 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS exposes the Pittsburgh Pirates' need for deep bullpen construction. Milwaukee relievers DL Hall, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby, and Trevor Megill combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings to protect a narrow lead. Lingan asserts that this performance illustrates what Pittsburgh must emulate during the upcoming offseason to build a legitimate postseason contender.

While Pittsburgh features emerging relievers Mason Montgomery and Luke Weaver, Lingan emphasizes that two reliable bullpen arms are insufficient. The departures of free agent Gregory Soto and the retiring Kirby Yates leave additional voids. Lingan concludes that general manager Ben Cherington must invest in multiple setup and middle-relief options to properly support a young starting rotation that includes Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Bubba Chandler.