Pittsburgh Pirates vs Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Predictions May 22nd 2025

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The Pittsburgh Pirates look to secure their first three-game winning streak of the season as they face the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-game home series. Rookie right-hander Mike Burrows will make his first MLB start after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Milwaukee is expected to counter with 23-year-old Carlos Rodriguez, who will also be making his season debut. Rodriguez struggled during his time in the majors last year but has been sharp in the minors with a 1.99 ERA through nine appearances.

Injuries Force Roster Shuffles

The Pirates’ rotation took a major hit with the season-ending injury to Jared Jones. Initially pegged as a foundational starter, Jones had been sidelined since spring training and suffered a setback during rehab.

Infield depth also took a blow with Enmanuel Valdez undergoing shoulder surgery, ruling him out for at least six months.

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Offensive Woes Continue for Pittsburgh

Despite winning their last two games, the Pirates are locked in an offensive drought. They’ve failed to score more than four runs in 26 consecutive games, matching a record that dates back over a century.

This scoring dry spell adds pressure on rookie pitchers like Burrows, making every start feel like a must-win outing.

Brewers Prioritize Roster Flexibility

Milwaukee’s decision to start Rodriguez instead of top prospect Jacob Misiorowski comes down to logistics. Rodriguez is already on the 40-man roster, making the call-up process smoother.

General manager Matt Arnold emphasized the importance of protecting prospects and ensuring they’re ready for success at the major league level.

Stay Sharp With MLB Insights

Thursday’s game offers a unique opportunity for fans and bettors to analyze young talent under pressure. Rookie matchups, injury updates, and offensive trends make this series a key watch.

Get more MLB previews and predictions at Scores and Stats MLB Picks, explore premium betting advice at the Buy Picks page, and check top analyst records via the Best Handicappers Leaderboard. For strategies and insights, visit the Expert MLB Betting Guide.

By Taylor Smith | April 8, 2025
By Taylor Smith | April 1, 2025
By Taylor Smith | March 29, 2025
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Mike Williams
Mike Williams | Handicapper

Free Pick found on BestBettor.com. Mike Williams is part of SportsCapping Group.

Mike uses his strong sports knowledge to analyze all the angles to find the most profitable wagers. Iron Mike handicaps MLB, college football, NFL, NBA, and NCAA basketball. I'm an actual sports and gambling junkie!

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