Pirates bullpen loses Kirby Yates and remains unsettled

Yates has retired after his final MLB appearance and a strong Pittsburgh stint, removing a reliable veteran late-inning option from the 2027 bullpen. Mason Montgomery's 25-game, 24.2-inning scoreless streak and 15-for-15 save run ended in the finale when he surrendered a decisive three-run ninth-inning lead. He remains a possible closer, but Evan Sisk and other young arms still must establish dependable roles.