Mar 31, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Pirates Should Be Thrilled With Bubba Chandler's First Start

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 1:00 PM ET

PITTSBURGH -- Bubba Chandler made his first start of the 2026 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, helping the team earn an 8-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

It wasn't a complete game, shutout effort from Chandler, but it was an encouraging first step for the young Pirates pitcher. The 23-year-old starting pitcher struggled in a few areas over his 4.1 innings pitched. but that's okay.

It wasn't perfect, but it should have the Pirates ecstatic about what Chandler can build towards in his first full season with the MLB club.

6 Ks and a Bit of Athleticism

The biggest takeaway from his outing was that Chandler held the Reds to zero hits over his 4.1 innings pitched. Throwing 81 pitches, 43 for strikes, he was able to get through the first two innings with ease. He struck out four of the first six batters he faced utilizing an impressive array of pitches to deceive batters.

Through the first trip through the lineup, Chandler was dealing. The youngster hit 100 miles per hour with his four-seam fastball on three occasions, showing off another flame-throwing arm in the middle of their rotation. It helped him collect six total strikeouts during his first start of the season.

He also showed off some elite athleticism, something that separates him from the rest of the starting pitching field in the MLB. In the bottom of the third inning, he helped himself out by nicely fielding a bunt that was popped up near the pitcher's mound and then quickly firing the ball over to second base to get the double play.

Pitcher doing this, btw. pic.twitter.com/N0mrZ6xfc5
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 31, 2026

Command Issues Emerged

The bottom of the third was also where some command issues started to show. He walked the first two batters, which led to six total walks during his outing.

The wheels began to fall off, just a bit, and the Reds took advantage. Even with his best pitch, his fastball, he struggled to find the zone with as much success as he did in the first two innings. Combine that with a fielding error from Bryan Reynolds, and it led to the one run allowed (but not earned) over his first start.

Why The Pirates Should Be Pumped

There were some problems, as previously outlined. Command is a concern, especially as he goes through the lineup multiple times. Longevity during the game is also something to account for, as the Pirates need Chandler to earn quality starts to remain in the rotation.

There should be no cause for concern, however. In fact, there should be the complete opposite. The Pirates should view his first start as a resounding success, with areas for continued improvement. What more can you ask for from your 23-year-old in the first start of his first full season in the MLB?

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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