Kyle Leahy strikes out nine in no-decision

Steele underwent elbow surgery in April of 2025 and then dealt with a flexor strain earlier this season, which is why he still has not pitched this season. The left-hander has begun facing hitters this week, which means it’s highly unlikely that he will return as a starter. Cubs manager Craig Counsell even said, “We’re not going to skip steps. He rightfully should be (focused on returning this season), but we have a lot of steps to go before we get there.” There likely won’t be much fantasy value with Steele this season, but his pitching in relief would be beneficial for the Cubs and be nice for fantasy managers to see before 2027 drafts.

Whisenhunt said this felt different than the elbow sprain that cost him the final two months of 2023, and he’s hoping it might just be a pinched nerve. "[I’ve] never really felt anything like this,” he said after the game. “I don’t really know kind of where to be at with it. So just kind of play it by ear and get the MRI tomorrow and then go from there.” The Giants could recall Matt Wilkinson if Whisenhunt goes on the IL.

Gonzales’s hit resulted in only run in the three extra innings. There were three bunts, though, none of which worked out. The first two, from the Padres, were both popped up and the initial one resulted in a double play. The last, from the Pirates after Gonzales’s go-ahead hit, saw the lead runner get retired. Gonzales also walked and stole a base in the contest. He’s fourth in the majors with his .308 average.

Ashcraft appeared to get through six scoreless, only to lose the shutout on a balk. He then left with a one-run lead that failed to hold up. It’s unclear how many more starts Ashcraft, who has now thrown 39 more innings than his previous career high, will make with the Pirates nearly out of contention at this point, but he’s still thriving, having allowed exactly one run in three straight starts. He’s in line to face the Cardinals on Sunday, but the Pirates have Thursday and Monday off if they want to give him some extra time.

Ramírez had given up five runs in three innings since returning from the paternity list, but he came up big tonight in protecting a one-run lead. He did get a little lucky with the last pitch, though; Dustin Harris swung at a sweeper down and in and then had it go off his foot and to the backstop. If it didn’t hit him, he likely would have reached on a strikeout/wild pitch.

Both runs came in the sixth. Esmerlyn Valdez led off the inning with a homer. Ray then walked Bryan Reynolds and struck out Oneil Cruz before being pulled in favor of Bradgley Rodriguez, who surrendered a go-ahead double to score the inherited runner. Ray struck out five and allowed just two hard-hit balls other than the homer. He’ll likely face the Rays on Sunday.

As terrific as Lowe has been against righties, the Pirates still probably would have been better off platooning him all year. He was retired four times by lefties tonight, leaving him with a .208 average, a .329 slugging percentage and a 64/11 K/BB in 173 plate appearances versus southpaws on the season.

Culpepper didn’t have any extra-base hits, but the four singles raised his average to .340 in the first 50 at-bats of his big league career. He offers enough upside to be considered in mixed leagues, though he’s not necessarily a must-add player.

Byron Buxton had three hits including a double and a walk in the win over the A’s Monday. Even with the big game, Buxton is 7-for-36 (.194) with no home runs and one RBI in 10 games since being activated from the injured list. He’s hitting .256 with an .836 OPS and 46 RBI this year.

They considered using DeLauter at DH tonight before deciding to play it safe. Angel Martínez had a double in four at-bats in his place.