The Pirates are starting what could be a season-defining road trip. In this episode of the Pirates Inside Podcast, Jason Mackey dives into nine storylines to follow. They range from the quality of the opponents to Paul Skenes, the fifth start spot, Esmerlyn Valdez and how Konnor Griffin and Ryan O'Hearn factor in to all of this.

Brandon Lowe walked it off, and Rafael Flores Jr. hit two home runs despite not being in the starting lineup. Why do both of those individual stories matter so much? And why was this potentially the biggest win of the year for the Pirates? Also, what to make of Paul Skenes' latest outing? Jason Mackey breaks it all down right here.

We've seen this movie before. Oneil Cruz hit a key home run in his first game back. Meanwhile, Braxton Ashcraft nearly replicated his career-best start. What went into both of those? And what do they mean for the Pirates' chances moving forward? Why was Tuesday's game especially important? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.

Carmen Mlodzinski struggled during the Pirates' 8-5 loss to the Tigers on Monday night at PNC Park. What gave him trouble? And what should the Pirates do about his role? Before the game, the Pirates got some good news on Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin and Ryan O'Hearn. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.

The Pirates beat the Red Sox, 8-3, on Sunday at PNC Park to win the series. What did the bullpen show us? Also, what is there to take out of the offensive side, especially as it relates to Esmerlyn Valdez, Bryan Reynolds and Brandon Lowe? Ben Cherington also talked about the Paul Skenes decision and Oneil Cruz's timeline. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.

Braxton Ashcraft was outstanding Thursday against the Marlins. What led to it? And what about that relationship with Rafael Flores Jr.? Speaking of Flores, with Endy Rodriguez going on the IL again, what does that mean for his situation. The Pirates also got some production from unlikely sources. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.

The Pirates lost again to the Marlins, this time by an 8-2 score at loanDepot Park. Carmen Mlodzinski struggled, the offense was once again quiet, and mistakes cost the Pirates. But the bigger story might've been postgame, when Don Kelly said he wasn't happy with the amount of fight shown. What else has bothered Kelly? How did players take his comments? And what's been happening with Mlodzinski? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.

The Pirates suffered a 2-0 loss to the Marlins at loanDepot Park on Tuesday. Why did the Pirates pull Paul Skenes after just innings and 65 pitches? And, is there any greater concern moving forward? Jason Mackey discusses that, as well as a few catching storylines on the podcast.

The Pirates finished a stretch of 17 games in 17 days at 5-12, obviously not good enough. Jared Jones allowed eight earned runs over three-plus innings. Same deal. Something has to change. The Pirates are 5.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the NL and trending in the wrong direction. Jason Mackey breaks down the starting pitching, the offense and much more.

Brandon Lowe offered some important perspective after the Pirates' 5-2 loss to the Brewers on Thursday. What needs to happen for them against the Mets? Also, let's talk about playing better baseball, the offense and Braxton Ashcraft's start. What should we look for out of Carmen Mlodzinski's start on Friday? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.