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Nick Soulis · 07-30-2025, 09:07 AM

BREAKING NEWS – EXCELLENCE PROJECT SEASON 8

September 2,
By The Cooperstown Network Staff

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1972 Pirates Lose Ace Nelson Briles for the Remainder of Season

In a stunning blow to one of the top teams in the Excellence Project’s eighth season, the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that starting pitcher Nelson Briles has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a right shoulder injury sustained during a bullpen session over the weekend. The news comes just as the Pirates clinched their postseason berth and were eyeing a deep October run.

Briles, who was widely regarded as the anchor of the rotation behind Steve Blass and Dock Ellis, had quietly become one of the most reliable arms in the tournament. In 28 starts this season, the veteran right-hander posted a 14–6 record, a 3.04 ERA, and 1.12 WHIP, striking out 124 batters over 186.2 innings while showcasing exceptional command.

Pirates’ Rotation Depth Tested

Manager Bill Virdon addressed the media late Tuesday:

“Nelson has been a horse for us all year. It’s a big loss—no denying that—but this club has heart and depth. We’ll rally.”

With Briles shelved, the Pirates are expected to turn to Bob Moose or Jim Rooker to fill the playoff rotation. Moose, who’s been solid in swing duty this year, may be the immediate plug-in, though Rooker offers a left-handed option that could neutralize some of the righty-heavy lineups they may face in October.

Pirates Still in Title Contention

Despite the injury, the '72 Bucs remain one of the tournament’s elite squads. They enter the final month with a 91–50 record and hold a commanding lead in their division. The offense, powered by Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Al Oliver, ranks top-five in team OPS and runs scored. Meanwhile, Blass and Ellis still provide a formidable 1–2 punch atop the staff.

But Briles’ loss can’t be overstated. His consistency kept pressure off the bullpen and allowed the Pirates to manage their arms through the grueling 162-game format. Without him, the pressure mounts.

Player Reactions

Willie Stargell spoke after hearing the news:

“We’re gonna win this one for Nellie. He’s been there all year, and we’re not gonna let this derail us. That’s not what Pirates do.”

Dock Ellis, known for his fire and leadership, added:

“I’ve pitched on short rest. I’ve pitched hurt. We’ll figure it out. Don’t count us out.”

Outlook: Postseason Rotation Shifts

Projected Postseason Rotation (w/o Briles):

Steve Blass

Dock Ellis

Bob Moose

Jim Rooker (if needed)

Bullpen roles may now shift, with Dave Giusti and Ramon Hernandez likely asked to shoulder more high-leverage innings. The Pirates are rumored to be considering spot starts from Bruce Kison if matchups demand it.

Final Word

Nelson Briles' injury may alter the Pirates’ trajectory, but don’t mistake them for a wounded team. This is still a championship-caliber club with veteran leadership and postseason pedigree. The loss is significant—but it may just galvanize the Pirates to rise to even greater heights.

Stay tuned for full postseason coverage from the Cooperstown Network as the road to the Excellence Project crown continues.

07-30-2025, 09:07 AM	#103
Nick Soulis Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 4,256	BREAKING NEWS – EXCELLENCE PROJECT SEASON 8 September 2, By The Cooperstown Network Staff 1972 Pirates Lose Ace Nelson Briles for the Remainder of Season In a stunning blow to one of the top teams in the Excellence Project’s eighth season, the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that starting pitcher Nelson Briles has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a right shoulder injury sustained during a bullpen session over the weekend. The news comes just as the Pirates clinched their postseason berth and were eyeing a deep October run. Briles, who was widely regarded as the anchor of the rotation behind Steve Blass and Dock Ellis, had quietly become one of the most reliable arms in the tournament. In 28 starts this season, the veteran right-hander posted a 14–6 record, a 3.04 ERA, and 1.12 WHIP, striking out 124 batters over 186.2 innings while showcasing exceptional command. Pirates’ Rotation Depth Tested Manager Bill Virdon addressed the media late Tuesday: “Nelson has been a horse for us all year. It’s a big loss—no denying that—but this club has heart and depth. We’ll rally.” With Briles shelved, the Pirates are expected to turn to Bob Moose or Jim Rooker to fill the playoff rotation. Moose, who’s been solid in swing duty this year, may be the immediate plug-in, though Rooker offers a left-handed option that could neutralize some of the righty-heavy lineups they may face in October. Pirates Still in Title Contention Despite the injury, the '72 Bucs remain one of the tournament’s elite squads. They enter the final month with a 91–50 record and hold a commanding lead in their division. The offense, powered by Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Al Oliver, ranks top-five in team OPS and runs scored. Meanwhile, Blass and Ellis still provide a formidable 1–2 punch atop the staff. But Briles’ loss can’t be overstated. His consistency kept pressure off the bullpen and allowed the Pirates to manage their arms through the grueling 162-game format. Without him, the pressure mounts. Player Reactions Willie Stargell spoke after hearing the news: “We’re gonna win this one for Nellie. He’s been there all year, and we’re not gonna let this derail us. That’s not what Pirates do.” Dock Ellis, known for his fire and leadership, added: “I’ve pitched on short rest. I’ve pitched hurt. We’ll figure it out. Don’t count us out.” Outlook: Postseason Rotation Shifts Projected Postseason Rotation (w/o Briles): Steve Blass Dock Ellis Bob Moose Jim Rooker (if needed) Bullpen roles may now shift, with Dave Giusti and Ramon Hernandez likely asked to shoulder more high-leverage innings. The Pirates are rumored to be considering spot starts from Bruce Kison if matchups demand it. Final Word Nelson Briles' injury may alter the Pirates’ trajectory, but don’t mistake them for a wounded team. This is still a championship-caliber club with veteran leadership and postseason pedigree. The loss is significant—but it may just galvanize the Pirates to rise to even greater heights. Stay tuned for full postseason coverage from the Cooperstown Network as the road to the Excellence Project crown continues.