Kevin Gorman
Verified
Kieran's dad, Ace's son. @TribSports #Pirates and #Steelers writer. #PGH born and raised. To give is to receive. email: kgorman@triblive.com.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Kevin Gorman
NOTICE OF YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS IN California
Because you are coming from a location (California) covered by a Privacy Law, many of the features of TribLIVE.com, like videos and social media elements are disabled. If you wish to proceed to the site under those conditions (doing so will effectively opt you out of the sale of your personal data) . However you will not experience the full features of TribLIVE.com that rely upon third party networks that may require your personal data.
Pirates promote Thomas Harrington, Antwone Kelly, option Cam Sanders, Hunter Stratton
With the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers visiting for the final series before the All-Star break, the Pittsburgh Pirates shuffled their bullpen by promoting a pair of right-handed pitchers. The Pirates recalled Thomas Harrington and Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned right-handed relievers Cam Sanders and Hunter Stratton after Thursday’s 10-5 loss to Atlanta. Sanders allowed three runs on two hits and three walks with two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning.
Full Count: With 7th straight top-10 pick, Pirates know importance of getting draft right
The Pittsburgh Pirates hit a trifecta with their past three first-round picks, following Paul Skenes with Konnor Griffin and Seth Hernandez. That’s a National League rookie of the year and unanimous Cy Young Award winner, a minor league player of the year and consensus top prospect in baseball and the game’s top right-handed pitching prospect serving as an historic run of successful selections.
Bucs Beat Q&A: Pirates righty Jared Jones talks perfection, pitch counts, Paul Skenes
Jared Jones pitched to perfection for six innings Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves, but the Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander knew that he wasn’t going to get the chance to complete a perfect game. After missing the 2025 season while recovering from InternalBrace surgery on his right elbow, the 24-year-old Jones returned to the starting rotation in May under careful pitch counts and innings restrictions intended to prevent injury.
‘Really, really valuable’: In attempt to clarify, Pirates GM clouds Carmen Mldozinski’s role
In an attempt to clarify how the Pittsburgh Pirates are deciding to deploy Carmen Mlodzinski, Ben Cherington only clouded the starter-turned-reliever’s role. Fans were stunned to see Pirates manager Don Kelly have the right-handed Mlodzinski replace Paul Skenes in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s 12-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. It was viewed as a mop-up role given their eight-run cushion, despite the bullpen’s penchant for blown leads.
‘Tough news’: Konnor Griffin’s finger injury will test Pirates amid attempt to stay in contention
As soon as Brandon Lowe learned that rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin would miss at least two months with a torn tendon on his left ring finger, the Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman shared words of wisdom with his double-play partner about the healing process. “‘Obviously we’re going to miss your presence – on the bases, in the box, in the field, everything else – but we’re a good offense,’” Lowe said, recounting their conversation.
‘It just stinks’: Pirates rookie SS Konnor Griffin deals with disappointment of another injury
When Konnor Griffin made an attempt to snare a Keibert Ruiz single through the middle to lead off the third inning Sunday – “just a normal dive I’ve done a thousand times” – the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop got up and felt like his left ring finger was jammed. When he went into the visitor’s dugout, Griffin could see the tendon was loose, wobbling to either side of his knuckle. But Griffin wanted to bat, so he wasted no time getting into the on-deck circle.
Despite recent struggles, Pirates ace Skenes named to NL All-Star team
Paul Skenes’ recent slide did not affect his standing as an MLB All-Star. The Pittsburgh Pirates Cy Young Award-winning righty was selected for the All-Star Game on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. He was the only Pirates player selected. Skenes joins Rip Sewell (1943-44, 1946; there was no game in 1945) and Elroy Face (1959-61) as the only Pirates pitchers selected to the All-Star Game three straight seasons.
Full Count: With No. 5 pick in MLB Draft, Pirates ‘could do something unexpected’
If there is anything close to a consensus about the MLB Draft, it’s that the first four picks could be predetermined. That puts the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have the No. 5 overall pick, in an interesting position. If the draft goes as expected, it will start with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Fort Worth Christian shortstop Grady Emerson, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey and Miami Gulliver Prep shortstop Jacob Lombard being selected in some order.
NOTICE OF YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS IN California
Because you are coming from a location (California) covered by a Privacy Law, many of the features of TribLIVE.com, like videos and social media elements are disabled. If you wish to proceed to the site under those conditions (doing so will effectively opt you out of the sale of your personal data) . However you will not experience the full features of TribLIVE.com that rely upon third party networks that may require your personal data.
Bryan Reynolds lived up to reputation, carried Pirates offense with another red-hot June
Bryan Reynolds is always at his best in June, to the point that Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly didn’t want the month to end. “We might rename the calendar in our clubhouse,” Kelly said, with a smile. “They’re all going to be June.” Reynolds completed another red-hot June, batting .293/.386/.525 with eight doubles, five home runs and 14 RBIs in 26 games, carrying an offense that was without the injured Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin.
Ryan O’Hearn homers twice, including 3-run shot in 8th, as Pirates top Reds to avoid sweep
The Pittsburgh Pirates were looking for late-inning relief against the Cincinnati Reds, but knew better than to try to depend on their bullpen. Instead, they got the pendulum swing from one of their sluggers. After a one-hour, five-minute rain delay, Ryan O’Hearn hammered a three-run home run in the eighth inning to boost the Pirates to a 9-4 win Sunday afternoon before 24,023 at PNC Park and prevent a three-game series sweep.
Eugenio Suarez makes Pirates pay with 3-run blast in 9th to boost Reds to win
The Pittsburgh Pirates pursued Eugenio Suarez in free agency, reportedly showing an interest to match any offer for the slugging third baseman. Suarez chose to return to the Cincinnati Reds and Great American Ball Park, which has a more friendly reputation with right-handed hitters, on a one-year, $15 million contract over the Pirates and PNC Park.
Noelvi Marte hits 2-run homer in 8th as Reds beat Pirates to spoil Konnor Griffin’s return
Konnor Griffin made history on the first swing of his return from the injured list, but Paul Skenes earned a dubious distinction as the Pittsburgh Pirates suffered another loss with their ace on the mound. Griffin (20 years, 63 days) became the fifth-youngest player in MLB history to hit a leadoff home run, only for Skenes to surrender four runs in the second inning as the Pirates lost their eighth consecutive game that he started.
Pirates activate rookie SS Konnor Griffin from the IL, option Jack Brannigan to Altoona
Konnor Griffin understood the assignment. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop’s first stint on the 10-day injured list was a short one, ending after going 2 for 2 with triple and home with three RBIs and also reaching base on a walk and a hit by pitch in his one rehabilitation assignment game Wednesday with Double-A Altoona.
Braxton Ashcraft records 10 strikeouts, Pirates pump out 15 hits to pound Mariners
• | Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez celebrates his 2-run double during the fourth inning against the Mariners on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft delivers during the fifth inning against the Mariners on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) The Pirates’ Ryan O’Hearn celebrates his double during the fourth inning against the Mariners on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at PNC Park.
Pirates ‘optimistic’ about availability of RHP Jared Jones, SS Konnor Griffin this weekend
After taking a line drive comebacker off his right elbow, Jared Jones has received positive news with more negative tests. The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander was examined by team physicians Monday and subsequent imaging confirmed that the initial diagnosis of a contusion. Jones played light catch before Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners at PNC Park.
Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Pirates have to cross fingers that Jared Jones won’t miss a start
Manager Don Kelly: ‘I’m glad to hear that it sounds pretty good right now.’ • | Pirates pitcher Jared Jones prepares to leave the dugout and make his start against the Dodgers on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) Pirates pitcher Jared Jones reacts after Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds made catch at the wall to rob the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at PNC Park.
Pirates avoid sweep; Jared Jones leaves after taking liner off pitching elbow
After failing to score with the bases loaded in the ninth inning in the first two games against the Colorado Rockies, the Pittsburgh Pirates finally got the offensive outburst that had been missing. Nick Gonzales and Bryan Reynolds hit home runs as the Pirates rolled to an 8-6 win Sunday afternoon at Coors Field to prevent the Rockies from sweeping the three-game series. But the victory came with a potential loss.
Pirates lose by 1 on controversial runner interference call
The Pittsburgh Pirates failed to score with the bases loaded in the ninth inning for the second consecutive game against the Colorado Rockies, though this one came with controversy. The game ended abruptly when runner Billy Cook was called for interfering with third baseman Kyle Karros, who fielded Jake Mangum’s ground ball for what appeared to be tying infield single. Instead, Karros complained and the umpire crew gathered and signaled an out to end the game.
Full Count: What is wrong with Pirates ace Paul Skenes? Not as much as you might think
After being the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, winning National League rookie of the year honors in 2024 and the NL Cy Young Award in a unanimous vote last year, Paul Skenes entered this season regarded as the best right-handed pitcher in baseball. So, it’s been stunning to see that the Pittsburgh Pirates have lost their last six games with the 6-foot-6, 260-pound ace on the mound, causing casual observers to ask a disconcerting question: What in the world is wrong with Paul Skenes?
Bucs Beat Q&A: Known for his hits, Pirates OF Jake Mangum relishes chance to play center
Jake Mangum has a reputation for getting hits. He finished his college career as the all-time hits leader at Mississippi State and the SEC with 383 hits, which ranked fourth in NCAA history.
Pirates trade catcher Joey Bart to Braves for right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton
The Pittsburgh Pirates addressed two concerns in one trade Thursday night, sending catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton. The move sends Bart, a native of Buford, Ga., and Georgia Tech product, back to his hometown team and clears a crowded catching situation for the Pirates. It also provides another arm for their bullpen, as Stratton returns to the team that drafted him and where he made his MLB debut.
Pirates LF Bryan Reynolds masters the art of home run robbery with a trio of crazy catches
Bubba Chandler watched Heriberto Hernandez hit his full-count curveball hard but high — at a 105.4-mph exit velocity but 41-degree launch angle — and figured it was a routine fly ball to left field. Then the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie right-hander saw catcher Endy Rodriguez put his hands on his hips and recognized the body language. Wait a minute, Chandler thought to himself, this one could have a chance of leaving the ballpark.
Pirates’ Konnor Griffin headed to Florida for throwing program, expected rehab assignment
When the Pittsburgh Pirates leave for their road trip against the Athletics in Sacramento and the Colorado Rockies, rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin will head in a different direction. Griffin, out with a right forearm muscle strain, will go to Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., to begin what Pirates general manager Ben Cherington called a “legitimate throwing progression” that will require a stay at their minor league complex followed by a rehabilitation assignment.
Behind strong start by Sandy Alcantara, Marlins hand Pirates 6th loss in 7 games
Whether it’s shortened starts by the rotation or allowing big innings by the bullpen is a chicken-or-egg question, but the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to have a problem with their pitching. An inefficient Braxton Ashcraft lasted only five innings for the second consecutive start, and the Miami Marlins turned a tied game into a blowout by beating up on rookie relievers Wilber Dotel and Antwone Kelly for a combined six runs.
Full Count: Replacing center fielder Oneil Cruz will require a collective effort by the Pirates
When word spread that Oneil Cruz would be out for an extended period with a left hand injury, Pittsburgh Pirates fans hit the panic button and declared on social media that a promising season was all but over. The 6-foot-7, 248-pound center fielder was having a career year when he slid head-first into home plate Saturday and was tagged by Atlanta Braves catcher Austin Wynns, suffering fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures that could keep him out four to six weeks.
Bucs Beat Q&A: Pirates 2B Brandon Lowe makes impact with ‘intent to do damage’
After being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade, Brandon Lowe announced his presence with authority when he hit two home runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at the New York Mets. The 5-foot-9, 181-pound second baseman, a two-time All-Star who has a pair of 30-homer seasons on his resume, leads the team with 16 doubles, 16 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .523 slugging percentage and ranks second with an .858 OPS.
Tyler Callihan’s 2 home runs spark comeback as Pirates upstage Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani was making his first appearance on the mound at PNC Park amid another historic season, so the Pittsburgh Pirates were determined to steal the show from the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar. And they did twice early, as Jared Jones struck out the four-time MVP, not with his triple-digit fastball but by getting him swinging at a slider. Then Bryan Reynolds robbed Ohtani of a home run by leaping over the left field fence to snag a fly ball in front of fans.
Pirates place CF Oneil Cruz on 10-day IL with hand fractures, expected to miss 4-6 weeks
The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a serious blow to their starting lineup when center fielder Oneil Cruz was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday, retroactive to Monday, with a non-displaced fractures of the fourth and fifth metacarpal in his left hand. A source told TribLive that Cruz is expected to miss four to six weeks to recover from the injury. The Pirates recalled outfielder Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Cruz on the active roster.
Tyler Callihan was ready to pitch in a pinch, as Pirates utility man wants to play every position
Tyler Callihan told his Pittsburgh Pirates teammates during batting practice that one of his goals is to have a long major league career and, hopefully, play every position on the field at some point. When Pirates manager Don Kelly asked if he was ready to pitch the ninth inning of Tuesday’s 12-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the utility fielder didn’t hesitate to head to the batting cage for some warm-up throws before his first time on a major league mound.
NOTICE OF YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS IN California
Because you are coming from a location (California) covered by a Privacy Law, many of the features of TribLIVE.com, like videos and social media elements are disabled. If you wish to proceed to the site under those conditions (doing so will effectively opt you out of the sale of your personal data) . However you will not experience the full features of TribLIVE.com that rely upon third party networks that may require your personal data.
Konnor Griffin to throw for 1st time, as Pirates rookie shortstop’s stay on 10-day IL extended
The Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t press pause on Konnor Griffin’s return from a forearm muscle strain so much as they put it in slow motion on the recommendation of an orthopedic surgeon. After Griffin received a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister, the Pirates are proceeding with caution with the rookie shortstop.
Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Konnor Griffin’s timeline change comes at bad time for Pirates
Bucs have question marks with lineup ahead of series with Dodgers • | Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin talks with manager Don Kelly before batting against the Cubs on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin throws to first base after forcing out the Orioles’ Adley Rutschman at second base on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at PNC Park.
Bubba Chandler strikes out 7 but Michael Harris II boosts Braves to sweep of Pirates
For all of the fuss about moving Carmen Mlodzinski to a relief role instead of Bubba Chandler in the shakeup of the starting rotation, both ended up pitching out of the bullpen anyway. The Pittsburgh Pirates made a late scratch of Chandler for his scheduled start in the series finale against Atlanta Braves, as manager Don Kelly opted to use lefty reliever Mason Montgomery as an opener. For six innings, the plan worked to near-perfection.
Mitch Keller struggles in shortened start, as Braves beat Pirates in series opener
The Pittsburgh Pirates were deliberate in placing Jared Jones between a pair of innings eaters in the starting rotation, only for Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller to struggle through shortened starts. For the second consecutive outing, Keller pitched fewer than five innings despite his third-highest pitch count of the season.
Bucs Beat Q&A: How Allderdice alum Tim Pugh became a senior analyst for the Pirates
Tim Pugh casts a towering presence at PNC Park, even as he plays a behind-the-scenes role for the Pittsburgh Pirates. At 6-foot-9, the Squirrel Hill resident is taller than Pirates stars Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz. Pugh, 28, was a standout athlete at Allderdice, where he played center-midfielder on the Dragons’ section-champion soccer team and forward for the City League champion and 2016 PIAA Class AAAA finalist basketball team.
NOTICE OF YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS IN California
Because you are coming from a location (California) covered by a Privacy Law, many of the features of TribLIVE.com, like videos and social media elements are disabled. If you wish to proceed to the site under those conditions (doing so will effectively opt you out of the sale of your personal data) . However you will not experience the full features of TribLIVE.com that rely upon third party networks that may require your personal data.
Pirates aim to protect Jared Jones with slot in starting rotation between ‘2 innings-eaters’
Jared Jones finds himself in a familiar spot by pitching between Mitch Keller and Paul Skenes for the Pittsburgh Pirates, even if the order is reversed. Where Jones was behind Keller and ahead of Skenes in late September 2024, he’s now behind Skenes and ahead of Keller in a reconfigured starting rotation designed to provide protection early on.
Pirates reinstate RHP Carmen Mlodzinski from restricted list before series opener at Houston
The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated Carmen Mlodzinski from the restricted list Monday night, making the right-handed pitcher available for Tuesday’s series opener at the Houston Astros. Mlodzinski was placed on the restricted list Sunday, when he informed the team that he wasn’t ready to pitch in the series finale against the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park after being moved to the bullpen last week to make room for Jared Jones in the starting rotation.
Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Carmen Mlodzinski saga overshadowed positive news for Pirates
Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz enter June riding high • | Pirates pitchers Jared Jones (left) and Carmen Mlodzinski (right) watch from the dugout with the starters during a game against the Cubs on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) Pirates manager Don Kelly talks with general manager Ben Cherington on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at Pirate City in Bradenton.
Ryan O’Hearn homers in return, Braxton Ashcraft strikes out 11 as Pirates sweep Twins
Ryan O’Hearn was ready to return from the injured list sooner than expected, then showed it with his first swing. Serving as designated hitter, O’Hearn smacked a home run to get the Pittsburgh Pirates going on a day that began with bad news when rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin was placed on the 10-day injured list and right-handed pitcher Carmen on the restricted list.
Pirates activate Ryan O’Hearn but place Konnor Griffin on IL with forearm strain
The Pittsburgh Pirates activated first baseman/right fielder Ryan O’Hearn from the 10-day injured list but the corresponding move cost them another prominent starter. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin was placed on the 10-day IL with a minor flexor strain in his right forearm. The 20-year-old Griffin is batting .270/.327/.402 with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs, 22 RBIs, 30 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in 51 games.
Source: Ryan O’Hearn ready to return from IL for Pirates, to be activated Sunday vs. Twins
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder/first baseman Ryan O’Hearn is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list and be available to play in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, a source told TribLive. O’Hearn suffered a strained right quad catching a pop up in foul territory while playing first base against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 16 and was placed on the IL the following day. Initially expected to be out for a month, his recovery tine was about two weeks ahead of schedule.
Bryan Reynolds hits walk-off homer, Pirates top Twins as Jared Jones strikes out 6 in return
Jared Jones had waited a year to be cleared to take a major league mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates, so it made sense that his adrenaline was running high and his fastball coming out hot. The 24-year-old pitcher topped triple digits on seven consecutive four-seam fastballs in the first inning of his season debut, showing that his surgically repaired right elbow was back to form. Jones recorded six strikeouts in his return, but the ending overshadowed his start.
‘Wish it would’ve went different’: Ex-Pirates skipper Derek Shelton returns to PNC Park
Derek Shelton took an unfamiliar spot Friday afternoon at PNC Park, sitting in the visitor’s dugout for the first time since being fired as Pittsburgh Pirates manager a year ago. Shelton has followed the Pirates from afar, first while working for MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM last season and now as manager of the Minnesota Twins, and emphasized that he has “good thoughts” about both the city and the ballclub. “This year, the Pirates off to a really good start,” Shelton said.
Bucs Beat Q&A: How Jhostynxon Garcia found The Password to earn a promotion to Pirates
When the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox for Jhostynxon Garcia, they acquired the player with perhaps the most memorable nickname in baseball: “The Password.” Not only does the 23-year-old Venezuelan outfielder have an unorthodox spelling of his first name — pronounced JOES-tin-son — but he has distinctive hair that hangs past the shoulders on his 6-foot, 224-pound frame.
Pirates righty Carmen Mlodzinski mum on being bumped to bullpen from starting rotation
After being bumped from the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation to make room for the return of Jared Jones, right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski chose his words carefully Thursday night when asked for his reaction. “Obviously just excited to have Jared back with us,” Mlodzinski said in the home clubhouse after the 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.
Pirates’ Jared Jones to start Friday in return from surgery; Carmen Mlodzinski moving to bullpen
Jared Jones couldn’t help but get emotional thinking about making his return to mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night at PNC Park, just 53 weeks after undergoing InternalBrace surgery on his right elbow. “Pretty damn cool. It took a lot of time, 12 months, almost exactly, of not playing baseball,” said Jones, who underwent surgery in late May 2025. “You kind of get a sense, it’s like you need it. That’s kind of what I’ve learned about myself over that time.
Pirates have a ‘tough decision to make’ with pitching staff with Jared Jones ready to return
• | Pirates pitcher Jared Jones watches from the dugout with Paul Skenes during a game against the Nationals on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) Pirates pitcher Jared Jones stands in the dugout before a game against the Rockies on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes reacts after striking out the Phillies’ Bryce Harper to end the top of the first inning on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at PNC Park.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Kevin
Contact Kevin, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack