Pirates Push Paul Skenes Back Three Days for Extra Rest

The Pittsburgh Pirates have moved right-hander Paul Skenes’ next start from Sunday to the following Wednesday, giving him an additional three days of rest. Manager Don Kelly announced the change on Saturday, emphasizing that it is not due to injury. Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, said he supports the decision and hopes the extra recovery time will help his performance.

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Skenes entered the season as a three-time All-Star and has been a key part of Pittsburgh’s rotation. However, he has endured a pronounced dip in fastball velocity and effectiveness. After a 65-pitch outing against the Miami Marlins, his fastball averaged a career-low 95.7 mph. Over his past nine starts, his ERA has risen to 5.79, well above his season-long 3.88 ERA. The Pirates, sitting at 60-65, have lost 16 of their last 23 games and sit in last place in the NL Central, 6½ games out of a wild-card spot.

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Don Kelly stressed that the schedule change is a strategic rest move, not an injury precaution. He noted that Skenes had discussed the rest schedule and that the manager trusts his judgment.

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• Skenes’ record: 9-11 with a 3.88 ERA, 166 strikeouts (fourth most in the NL) in 134 2/3 innings.

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• Fastball velocity: season average 96.8 mph (down from 98.1 mph last season and 98.8 mph in 2024); recent outing at 95.7 mph.

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• Recent performance: 5.79 ERA over the last nine starts.

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• Pirates’ recent form: 60-65 overall, 16 losses in 23 games, last place NL Central, 6½ games behind the wild-card line.

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The decision reflects Pittsburgh’s effort to preserve its ace’s health and potentially reverse his recent decline. If the additional rest restores velocity and command, Skenes could stabilize the rotation and improve the Pirates’ chances of climbing out of the division’s basement. Conversely, continued struggles may limit the team’s ability to contend for a postseason berth.

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