Paul Skenes surrendered eight runs on July 1, his season‑high, and saw his fastball dip below 97 mph, sparking worry for the Pirates as he gears up for a Tuesday start versus the Atlanta Braves.
Why did Skenes struggle on July 1?
Against the Philadelphia Phillies, Skenes lasted four innings, allowing seven earned runs in a 10‑6 loss. The outing pushed his ERA to 3.62, the highest mark since April 13. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman noted his four‑seam fastball averaged just 96.5 mph over his last three starts, a stark contrast to the 98.8 mph he maintained last season.
How unusual is the current winless streak?
Skenes entered the game with a 3.58 ERA in five June starts but has now gone nine straight appearances without a win, a drought that began on May 12. That stretch is the second‑longest winless run ever recorded by a reigning Cy Young winner, underscoring how rare such a slump is for a pitcher of his caliber.
What do the Pirates say about his health?
General manager Ben Cherington told 93.7 The Fan that there’s no sign of a physical issue. He described the dip as a “standard regression” that elite starters sometimes experience, suggesting the decline could be temporary and resolve itself within a few months.
Do the numbers still reflect elite talent?
Despite the recent setbacks, Skenes remains a top strikeout pitcher. He is 6‑8 with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP over 18 starts, tallying 119 strikeouts – fifth in the NL and ninth in MLB. His performance earned him a third consecutive All‑Star selection, confirming that his underlying skill set is still highly regarded.
Who will he face next?
On Tuesday, Skenes will line up against Braves right‑hander Hurston Waldrep. The matchup pits two young arms against each other, offering a chance for Skenes to prove the velocity dip is merely a blip. A solid outing could halt the winless streak and restore confidence in Pittsburgh’s ace.
What could the future hold for Skenes?
If the velocity trend continues, the Pirates may need to adjust his pitch mix or workload to protect his arm. Conversely, a rebound could reinforce Cherington’s view that the slump is a normal ebb. Either way, the next start will be a key data point for evaluating whether Skenes can return to Cy Young form.
How does this affect the Pirates’ playoff hopes?
Pittsburgh sits in the middle of the NL Central, and a reliable ace is essential for a late‑season push. Skenes’ ability to bounce back will influence the rotation’s stability and the team’s chances of climbing the standings as the season heads into its final stretch.
What’s the broader MLB context?
Only a handful of reigning Cy Young winners have endured a nine‑start winless stretch. Skenes joins a short list that includes past awardees who faced similar regressions before rebounding. His situation adds a compelling narrative to the league’s ongoing discussion about pitcher durability and performance volatility.