Paul Skenes has fallen back to earth in 2026. The Pirates ace is intent on staying the course
Skenes allowed three runs and four walks as the Pirates rallied late for a 4-3 win, despite his top-10 strikeout total.
- Following Wednesday's 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers, Paul Skenes pitched 4 1/3 innings while focusing on tuning out external noise surrounding his recent struggles.
- Skenes faces elevated expectations after winning Rookie of the Year in 2024 and Cy Young in 2025, though he remains only months removed from his 24th birthday.
- Entering Wednesday, Skenes' FIP sat lower than his ERA, suggesting defensive struggles have inflated his results. Teammate Brandon Lowe noted, "the world's been spoiled on who Paul Skenes really is."
- Against Detroit, Skenes allowed three earned runs on four hits while throwing 46 of 81 pitches for strikes, needing 24 pitches just to escape the first inning.
- With The Pirates 5.5 games back in the wild-card race at 63-66, Skenes remains focused on "objective numbers" and execution rather than outside criticism.
19 Articles
19 Articles
"Paul Skenes is washed";"Need Olivia Dunne to break his heart" - Fans blast Pirates ace after another tough outing and defeat
After winning the prestigious NL Cy Young Award in 2025, Paul Skenes was expected to continue dominating on the mound in 2026. However, things have not gone to plan for the youngster this season.
Paul Skenes pulled early again — even after Pirates pushed back start
The Pirates gave Paul Skenes extra time to get things back on track. But Skenes lasted just 4 1/3 innings on Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts, though Pittsburgh did secure a 4-3 win over the Tigers.
Associated Press News
Paul Skenes has fallen back to earth in 2026. The Pirates ace is intent on staying the course
Pirates ace Paul Skenes is confident he can make a late-season push following the most challenging stretch of his career.
Paul Skenes insists that he has had gusts during his career, still in full takeoff, in which he has had to tighten his teeth and move forward with much effort.
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