The week ahead: Pirates to host Astros, Phillies at PNC Park

Here’s a look at the Pirates upcoming homestand:

vs. Astros

6:40 p.m. Tuesday (SN PIT)

6:40 p.m. Wednesday (SN PIT)

6:40 p.m. Thursday (SN PIT)

• Injuries continue to decimate the Houston Astros’ pitching staff as righty Ronel Blanco was recently lost for the season and will undergo Tommy John surgery. The 31-year-old hadn’t pitched since mid-May because of his elbow injury but, this season, was 3-4 with a 4.10 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings. Last year, Blanco enjoyed a breakout campaign, going 13-6 with a 2.80 ERA over 29 starts and throwing a no-hitter vs. Toronto in his first outing. In addition to Blanco, injuries have sidelined Spencer Arrighetti (broken right thumb in April) and JP France (torn shoulder capsule last summer). In total, Houston has six starting pitchers on the IL, with Blanco becoming the fourth to require Tommy John surgery.

vs. Phillies

6:40 p.m. Friday (SN PIT)

4:05 p.m. Saturday (SN PIT)

1:35 p.m. Sunday (SN PIT)

• The Philadelphia Phillies look to be a strong bet to continue dominating for the rest of the season, even as the New York Mets battle them for control of the NL East Division. Kyle Schwarber, often hitting third or cleanup, has crushed 18 homers this year and has an OPS of .953. Zack Wheeler, a two-time NL Cy Young runner-up, including in 2024, is prominently in that conversation once again, as he’s gotten off to a 6-1 start with a 2.42 ERA. Fellow starter Jesus Luzardo has also shined through the season’s first two months, going 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA. Philadelphia pitchers lead MLB in strikeouts (531), but the back end of the bullpen has been a weak spot at times, evidenced by nine blown saves in 28 opportunities.