Bubba Chandler's final outing before All-Star break has Pirates fans believing again

Just as many fans were expecting Bubba Chandler to make his MLB debut all the way back in May, the star right hander fell into a bit a slump, lacking consistent control and ultimately remaining down in Triple-A. Thanks to his last start before the All-Star Break, though, Chandler has a bit more momentum heading into the second half.

To conclude the first half, Chandler tossed his second consecutive outing featuring six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits and two walks in both starts as well. The only difference between the two of them was Chandler struck out out seven batters, compared to the six from the start before.

Bubba Chandler got Pirates fans believing again by ending first half with an excellent start.

Chandler is starting to look so much better than he did when he finished June with an 8.53 ERA. Now, courtesy of this strong start to July, Chandler has brought his ERA on the season down to 2.82. That is excellent, and now the fanbase is back in and ready for Chandler to make his MLB Debut following the All-Star Break.

It is not confirmed that he will debut, of course, but it definitely is in the cards with the MLB Trade Deadline following shortly after the break. Andrew Heaney is as good as gone, Mitch Keller has so much trade buzz surrounding him, and it is very possible to see a surprise trade similar to the Quinn Priester deal from last season. There are lots of potential areas where a spot could open on the roster for Chandler, and now that he has found his groove once more, it may be time for the Pirates to consider the promotion.

It's also very important for the Pirates to see what they have in Chandler, too, heading into the offseason. If they can avoid signing an arm like Heaney to the rotation because a prospect like Chandler has secured a spot instead, then that would help them a ton to use their limited funds to upgrade this horrific offense.

Chandler is going to be one of the most exciting debuts to watch later this season, and now it doesn't seem so far away. Once he establishes himself in the rotation, the Pirates could formulate one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. His recent hot stretch should make this happen very soon.