Not every beaning Pirates hitters suffer is justified, but many are invited by the club’s proclivity to pitch inside.
The numbers bear this out. The Bucs have hit more opposing players (55) than any pitching staff in baseball, and are also plunked themselves at a majors-leading clip (60). It’s a tit for tat where by pounding that inner half, not only do the Pirates increase their odds of a pitch getting away and hitting an opponent, but they also give opponents the green light pitch them likewise.
This is something players and coaches seem to understand. When Jordy Mercer was injured after being struck by a pitch in April, manager Clint Hurdle was matter of fact about the implications of the organization’s pitching strategy for his hitters.