Paul Skenes Reacts to Scratched Start amid Concern on Injury & Velocity, Pirates SP's Next Start Set

The Pittsburgh Pirates are giving ace Paul Skenes some more time in between starts after he made just 65 pitches, many of which had lower velocity than typical, during Tuesday's loss to the Miami Marlins.

Pirates manager Don Kelly decided to push the right-hander's next start to Wednesday's contest against the Detroit Tigers, which means he will not take the mound as originally scheduled for Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox.

"We had talked about it when I showed up to the field today," Skenes said, per Aiden Stepansky of MLB.com. "I threw my bullpen and everything yesterday, and was fully anticipating starting tomorrow. So, we talked about it when I showed up at the field. Ultimately, it was Donny's decision, but we had talked about it. And like I said after the last start, I'll have his back on whatever that is. I don't necessarily disagree with the decision either."

Skenes was arguably the best pitcher in baseball during his first two seasons in 2024 and 2025 with a list of accomplishments that included a National League Cy Young, the NL Rookie of the Year and an ERA title. He posted a 1.96 ERA in his first season and followed that up with a 1.97 in his second.

Given that backdrop, it has naturally led to some concern and questions this season with a dip in velocity and overall performance.

According to Baseball Savant, Skenes hasn't reached 98 mph with his fastball since July 7. There were questions about his velocity even then, and he told insider Jason Mackey, "It's not something that I'm stressed over. I'm healthy. I'm feeling good and still pitching at a high level." 

Yet the velocity hasn't returned, and he gave up five earned runs in back-to-back starts to end July. It brought his ERA up to 6.25 for the month, although he allowed a combined four earned runs in his two August starts prior to Kelly's decision to push back his next appearance.

Stepansky noted the manager said his decision was not because of injury. What's more, Skenes threw a scheduled bullpen Friday.

"It certainly can't hurt in terms of recovery, and you add recovery in for anybody and that's going to help," Skenes said. "So, kind of wish it weren't the case that I was starting tomorrow, because that's something I pride myself on. But in the long run, it's definitely best to just get some recovery time."

In all, Skenes has a 3.88 ERA and 1.12 WHIP this season, which are both career-worst marks. 

The 60-65 Pirates are also in last place in the National League Central with their ace struggling, at least compared to his normal form. They are starting Luke Bachar for Sunday's series finale against Boston in what will surely turn into something of a bullpen game.