Paul Skenes is set to pitch twice this week, starting with Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves.
What's at stake?
The Pirates enter the homestand a game above .500, still in the hunt for a National League wild card spot.
They need to keep winning, and Paul Skenes must lead the charge.
The Pirates have lost the last nine games he's started, and he's coming off the worst start of his professional career.
Why the pressure?
This week's homestand will show where the Pirates truly stand in their hunt for October.
They can't afford a bad week of baseball, especially with the Braves and Brewers in town.
What happened last time?
Paul Skenes allowed seven earned runs over four innings in his last start in Philadelphia.
He said, "I'm not sure, we'll figure out what it is and just keep attacking it."
What comes next?
Sunday's contest against the Brewers also lines up to be a Paul Skenes start.
The Pirates need him to pitch again and lead them to another victory.
Paul Skenes has to win, and the Pirates need a win to put them more than a game above .500 for the first time since June 10.
The Pirates offense has dramatically improved this season, but they need Paul Skenes to return to his old form.
If he can rise to the occasion, all the noise about his struggles will vanish.
The Pirates are chasing a postseason spot, and this week is a key test of their abilities.
Paul Skenes is the key to their success, and he must deliver a strong performance.
The Braves and Brewers are legitimate World Series contenders, and the Pirates need to prove they can compete.
This week's homestand is a crucial test for Paul Skenes and the Pirates, and they must come out on top.