Arizona Diamondbacks vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions May 26th 2025

Diamondbacks vs Pirates: Arizona Desperate to End Skid at Home

The Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t hiding how they feel right now: frustrated, disappointed, and eager for a spark.

After dropping five straight games, including three heartbreaking one-run losses over the weekend in St. Louis, Arizona returns home with a chance to reset—but they’ll have to do it against a Pittsburgh Pirates team that’s finally finding its rhythm.

“We’re all extremely frustrated,” admitted manager Torey Lovullo. “We’re going to get this thing turned around, but it’s tough to stomach right now.”

And he’s not exaggerating. The D-backs’ current slide started at the hands of the Dodgers and snowballed during matchups with playoff-level competition. Over their past 25 games, Arizona has gone 11-14—tough numbers, especially when 22 of those matchups came against teams above .500.

To keep up with playoff hopefuls in the NL West, they need to stop the bleeding now.

For updated standings and team trends, explore the MLB Team Page.

Close but Not Enough: D-backs’ Offense Misfires

What’s particularly gut-wrenching for Arizona is just how close their games have been. In their last five losses, the total margin has been six runs. That’s practically nothing in baseball terms—and yet, the wins keep slipping away.

In St. Louis, they went 6-for-26 with runners in scoring position. That stat tells the story: they’re getting chances, but not cashing in.

“You look at those numbers and it’s a gut-check,” Lovullo said. “We’re not out of sync—we’re just not getting the hit when we need it.”

If Arizona hopes to climb back into contention, the bats need to deliver in the clutch. They’ve proven they can get on base. Now, it’s about timing and execution.

For betting advice on hitting trends and clutch stats, head over to the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

Starting Pitching: Nelson vs. Heaney

Ryne Nelson (1-1, 4.60 ERA) takes the mound for Arizona. He’s making just his third start of the year and his second since stepping in for injured ace Eduardo Rodriguez, who’s out with shoulder inflammation.

Nelson’s most recent outing came against the Dodgers, where he pitched five innings, gave up only one run, and left with the game tied. Not bad, considering L.A.’s power-laden lineup.

He’s faced the Pirates once before—back in August 2023—allowing four runs over five innings. The result? A no-decision, but plenty to build on.

Andrew Heaney (3-3, 2.91 ERA) will start for Pittsburgh. The lefty is quietly having one of his best seasons. He’s given up just four earned runs across his last three starts and earned a 3-1 win in his last outing against the Reds, pitching five strong innings.

In fact, Heaney has delivered four quality starts in ten games this year. Against Arizona, he holds a 1-0 career record, including a scoreless relief appearance in May 2024.

Keep track of projected starters and real-time stats on the MLB Pick Page.

Pirates Catching Fire Under Interim Leadership

While Arizona searches for answers, the Pirates are starting to feel good about themselves for the first time in a while.

They’ve won four of their last six and narrowly missed their first three-game sweep of the season due to an eighth-inning stumble on Sunday against Milwaukee.

Still, interim manager Don Kelly likes what he’s seeing.

“There’s some really good momentum happening,” Kelly said. “They’re coming together. They’re playing hard. We just have to keep building on this.”

Much of the Pirates’ recent success is tied to a sudden offensive surge. Oneil Cruz went 6-for-16 in the four-game set against the Brewers and smashed three homers in the final three games. Second baseman Adam Frazier also heated up, going 7-for-11 over his last three outings.

There’s a sense that the Pirates are learning how to close out games—something they struggled with earlier in the season.

Stay updated with Pirates’ trends and streaks via the MLB Odds Page.

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Arizona’s Season Turning Point?

For the D-backs, this series has to be more than just another set of games—it’s a turning point.

Their recent schedule has been brutal, with seven games against the Dodgers and nine more against the Phillies and Mets. There’s no shame in losing to great teams—but good clubs don’t stay down for long.

Here’s what Arizona needs to do to get back on track:

• Cash in with RISP: The hits are coming—they just aren’t coming in the right moments. That has to change.
• Ride Ryne Nelson: He’s been solid since returning. Giving him early run support could go a long way.
• Feed off the home crowd: A reset at home could be just what they need to shift the vibe.

If the Diamondbacks want to stay relevant in the NL Wild Card race, it starts here.

Pirates’ Keys to Victory

Pittsburgh is trending upward but still hasn’t fully arrived. Here’s what they must do to keep rolling:

• Lean on Heaney: He’s been consistent, and with Arizona struggling to hit lefties, this is a favorable matchup.
• Keep Cruz hot: The young slugger is seeing beach balls at the plate right now. Let him swing away.
• Limit mistakes: In close games, one misplay or bullpen hiccup can turn the tide. Clean defense and aggressive pitching will be critical.

FAQs

Why are the Diamondbacks struggling right now?

Arizona has faced a brutal stretch against top-tier teams and has struggled with situational hitting. Most of their losses have been close, indicating poor timing rather than poor play.

Who is starting for the Diamondbacks tonight?

Ryne Nelson will start. He’s stepping in for injured starter Eduardo Rodriguez and has shown strong form in limited appearances.

How has Andrew Heaney performed this season?

Heaney holds a 3-3 record with a 2.91 ERA. He’s been excellent in his last three outings and brings experience to the Pirates’ young rotation.

What’s working for the Pirates right now?

Offensive surges from Oneil Cruz and Adam Frazier, plus more consistent bullpen usage under interim manager Don Kelly, have helped them go 4-2 in their last six games.

How close are the Diamondbacks to the Dodgers?

As of Monday, Arizona trails the NL West-leading Dodgers by six games.

Where can I find more team stats and expert picks?

Head to the MLB Expert Betting Guide for advanced stats, analysis, and predictions.