Paul Skenes entered the Pirates’ July 7, 2026 stretch with a 5.96 ERA over his last nine starts and no victory since May 12, prompting GM Ben Cherington to double‑down on data‑driven adjustments.

What did the Pirates Insider Show reveal?

During the Sunday Pirates Insider Show, Cherington admitted the club is betting on Skenes to reverse a slide that has cost Pittsburgh several games. He highlighted the pitcher’s underlying metrics – a 2.76 expected ERA and a 93rd‑percentile strikeout rate – as evidence that the talent is still elite.

Why is Skenes’ performance critical now?

The Pirates sit 46‑45 entering a six‑game homestand against the Atlanta Braves. Their bullpen has blown 17 saves, the fifth‑most in MLB, and the team’s plus‑33 run differential masks a lack of wins. Skenes’ recent outings, especially a shaky appearance at Citizens Bank Park, have amplified concerns about the rotation’s reliability.

How does Cherington plan to help Skenes?

Cherington said the key is feeding Skenes the right information. “He’s an engineer,” the GM noted, referencing Skenes’ family background. By providing detailed video on delivery, pitch shape, and sequencing, the front office hopes the pitcher can diagnose and fix issues on his own.

What does the future look like for Skenes and Pittsburgh?

If Skenes can translate his strong peripherals into results, the Pirates could swing five to seven games over .500, according to most projections. The team’s next test comes Tuesday in Atlanta, where a win would signal that the data‑driven approach is paying off. Otherwise, the rotation may need further tweaks as the club chases October.

What were the key stats mentioned?

  • ERA over nine starts: 5.96
  • Last win: May 12
  • Expected ERA: 2.76
  • Strikeout percentile: 93rd
  • Bullpen blown saves: 17 (tied for fifth in MLB)
  • Run differential: +33, fifth in the NL

The Pirates’ path forward hinges on turning Skenes’ solid underlying numbers into tangible victories, a challenge that will test both the pitcher’s engineering mindset and the organization’s analytical resources.