Paul Skenes Talks Struggles, Has to 'Remember What's Real' amid 'Outside' Criticism

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes is trying to tune out the noise as he attempts to shake out of his current funk.

Following Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Detroit Tigers, Skenes told reporters his focus is on emphasizing "what's real and what's not."

"Just objective numbers, watching the game, execution, all that stuff," he said when asked to elaborate on that remark. "Not anything from the outside."

Skenes only lasted 4.1 innings against Detroit. He was charged with three earned runs, having allowed two himself and watching as McGonigle gave the Tigers a 3-1 lead immediately after he exited.

The Pirates eventually came out on top thanks to a pair of solo homers by Rafael Flores Jr. and Brandon Lowe in the bottom of the ninth.

Skenes' forgettable start will only embolden those who believe something is wrong with the right-hander. Maybe his mechanics are off. Perhaps he's working through an injury of some sort.

Whether there's a straightforward explanation or not, giving the three-time All-Star some extra rest didn't help.

Lowe hit on what might actually be happening.

"I think the world's been spoiled on who Paul Skenes really is," he said. "He had probably the best starting stretch to a career ever. And now he's not the greatest pitcher on the face of the planet for a few months, and people were worried and freaking out a bit."

Skenes may also be paying a price for a defense many flagged as a possible problem before Opening Day. Entering Wednesday, his FIP (2.99) was nearly a full run lower than his ERA (3.88), and his batting average on balls in play has gone from .284 and .273 through his first two years to .306, per FanGraphs.

The Pirates are trying to push for a wild-card spot. At 63-66, they're 5.5 games back of the final spot.

For Skenes, it might be a case of keeping his head down and getting to the offseason, when he'll have time to mentally decompress and reset.