Pirates exploring options to boost roster

PITTSBURGH — The Pirates left the nation’s capital after Sunday’s marathon victory trailing the Cubs by 8 1/2 games in the National League Central. They are 2 1/2 games out of a NL Wild Card spot, still behind the Marlins, Mets and Cardinals. But in many ways, they are well set up for the season’s stretch run.

Starting Tuesday, 37 of Pittsburgh’s last 70 games will come against the rebuilding Brewers, Reds, Phillies and Braves, and the Bucs’ bullpen is rounding into form. Their lineup was quiet over the weekend, but it flashed reminders of its April production before the All-Star break. Their bench is remarkably deep, and they have capable callups waiting in the Minors.

What’s missing? What stands between the Pirates and a fourth straight postseason appearance? Their rotation, a strength since Pittsburgh’s re-emergence in 2013, hasn’t performed up to its ability.

As of Monday, the Pirates’ starters rank 22nd in the Majors with a 4.80 ERA and second to last with 14 seven-inning outings in 92 games. They have had to use 11 pitchers, five of them making their first Major League starts.

With the second half of the season underway and the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaching, what might the Pirates do to fix their rotation?

“We will weigh [our options and see if we] are better going with our own guys, [or] is there something that makes sense from the outside?” general manager Neal Huntington said. “That’ll play out over the next couple …

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