Tensions flared between Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham and Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman on Monday night at PNC Park, and while the waters quickly calmed after the benches cleared, there was still a mix of confusion and emotion after the game.

When Konnor Griffin makes his Double-A debut Tuesday night, the 19-year-old shortstop will become the youngest player ever for the Altoona Curve. Pittsburgh Pirates icon Andrew McCutchen can relate to reaching Double-A as a teenager — he made his Curve debut at 19 years,

The Pittsburgh Pirates are back in town and will be opening a week-long homestand tonight with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Colorado Rockies coming to PNC Park. For some time now, it's been clear that the Pirates won't be making the playoffs this season, but there are still nights when 30,000 fans show up at PNC Park.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a promising catcher prospect that they recently moved up in their farm system. The Pirates promoted catcher Axiel Plaz

Dansby Swanson hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 in the rubber game of the weekend series.

If there is one difference between Skubal and Skenes, it is that Skubal is in attack mode more than anyone in the league. He leads MLB in throwing his first pitch for a strike at 70% of the time. Overall, he throws strikes 55% of the time -- good for third most in baseball.

The possibility exists for realignment in Major League Baseball and while the Philadelphia Phillies might stay in the NL East, the rivals might change.