Opening stretch of 2nd half vital for Pirates
(MLB.com Pittsburgh Pirates)

Can the Pirates capitalize on their strong finish to the first half and force their way back into the National League Central picture? What will they do with Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole? Those will be the questions most frequently lobbed at the Pirates over the next 2 1/2 weeks as they embark on a critical 16-game stretch leading up to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.