Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly has pushed Paul Skenes’ scheduled Sunday start to Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers to provide the 24-year-old with extra recovery time. While Skenes is enduring the worst statistical stretch of his career, Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington maintains the pitcher is still having an excellent year.
The decision to delay the start came following a 4-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night. Reliever Lake Bachar was tapped to start Sunday’s series finale at PNC Park in Skenes’ place, a move that pushed the rest of the rotation back alongside him.
August Wear and Tear: The Reason for the Delay
Management was quick to clarify that the schedule shift is not the result of a specific injury. Ben Cherington attributed the need for rest to typical August wear and tear, noting there is no information suggesting Skenes is hurt.
Skenes admitted he had been fully anticipating starting Sunday after throwing his scheduled bullpen session on Friday. Despite the desire to stick to the calendar, the pitcher expressed support for Don Kelly’s decision.
“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.”
Paul Skenes, Pirates Pitcher
The Statistical Dip: Skenes’ Worst Career Stretch
The push for recovery comes as Skenes struggles to maintain the dominance seen in his first two seasons. After winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the NL Cy Young in 2025, Skenes currently holds a 9-11 record with a 3.88 ERA. This ERA is nearly two runs higher than either of the last two years, ranking him tied for 19th among 26 qualified National League pitchers.
The decline is most evident in his recent outings. Over his last 16 starts, Skenes has a 3-9 record and a 5.00 ERA, averaging roughly 5 1/3 innings per start. The Pirates have struggled to win when he is on the mound, going 3-13 in those games.
Physical indicators show a slight dip in power. Skenes’ average four-seam fastball is currently 96.8 mph, down from 98.2 mph in 2025. While Skenes says he feels physically the same as in previous years, he noted the mental challenges have been a little different
this season.
Cherington’s Defense of the Ace’s Value
Despite the surface-level struggle, Cherington remains bullish on Skenes’ overall contribution to the 2026 season. He pointed to the pitcher’s strikeout and walk rates, which remain consistent with his past performance, and noted that Skenes is among the league leaders in strikeouts.
I would say it would have been expected at some point that you’re going to see some stretch where you’re kind of grinding through it a little bit, and that’s what he is…
Ben Cherington, Pirates General Manager
Roster Updates: Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin
While the rotation adjusts for Skenes, the Pirates are managing other key injuries. Oneil Cruz is nearing a return after suffering non-displaced fractures to the fourth and fifth metacarpals of his left hand on June 7.
Cruz has completed a rehab assignment involving three games at Triple-A Indianapolis and four games at Double-A Altoona. Cherington confirmed the bones are technically healed, though he cautioned that soreness could persist into the offseason. Additionally, shortstop Konnor Griffin is approaching the six-week mark since tearing the sagittal band on his left ring finger.
The Pirates currently sit five games under .500 with a 60-65 record. They will look for Skenes to help stabilize the staff when he takes the mound Wednesday in the series finale against the Tigers.
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