The Pittsburgh Pirates made a significant change by firing manager Derek Shelton following a disappointing start to the season. The decision came amid a seven-game losing streak and a tough 12-26 record. General manager Ben Cherington cited the need for improved performance to meet fan expectations. Shelton's tenure included a total of 306 wins against 440 losses over five seasons, highlighting the struggles faced during the team's ongoing rebuild.

Replacing Shelton is longtime bench coach Don Kelly, who faces a daunting task ahead of him. Despite hopes pinned on rookie sensation Paul Skenes, the team's offensive performance has been dismal, ranking among the worst in the league. Cherington accepts significant responsibility for the team's struggles and remains optimistic about future improvements, emphasizing the need for consistent performance.