MLB insiders defend Paul Skenes as mechanics, a weak Pirates roster, and World Baseball Classic fatigue spark a rough 2026 season.

Pittsburgh Pirates ace and reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes will receive extra rest ahead of his next start. The decision, which manager Don Kelly said is not related to injury, comes as the Pirates continue to see their playoff hopes dwindle and Skenes continues to labor through a 2026 season that thus far has not been up to his standards.

Paul Skenes has dealt with plenty of firsts in his Major League career, from milestones to the National League Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young Award last season. This is one he probably could h

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is slogging through a difficult nine-start stretch and throwing with decreased velocity.

Those who prefer to look on the bright side might call it a positive that it took until mid-August for Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates to officially wave the flag on their 2026 season. Granted, the Pirates woke up on Sunday sitting 16 ½ games back ...

Ben Cherington is plenty aware of the Paul Skenes question that has been hanging over the Pirates. What’s wrong? Is he hurt? Pittsburgh’s general manager said Sunday on the Pirates Insider Show on 93.

Paul Skenes was pulled after just 65 pitches in his last start, as he's dealt with a significant drop in velocity from 2025. He'll face the Tigers on Wednesday.

A confusing story of sinker command, mechanics, bad luck, and more.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are giving ace Paul Skenes some more time in between starts after he made just 65 pitches, many of which had lower velocity than typical, during Tuesday's loss to the Miami Marlins.

Paul Skenes needs his speed back. Coming off his worst month as a major leaguer, Skenes showed slight progress in his first August start on Wednesday. Skenes allowed three runs on two hits and