Paul Skenes links pitching struggles to World Baseball Classic impact
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 7:06 PM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who won the 2025 NL Cy Young Award, cited the World Baseball Classic as a factor in his underwhelming 3.97 ERA this season. He reflected on how the tournament disrupted his typical pre-season preparation, resulting in lower velocity on his fastball. Skenes has struck out 192 batters in 168 innings, but his fastball average is down to 96.8 mph compared to his rookie year. He hopes to recover his form in the offseason. Skenes has one start remaining in the 2026 season as he aims to finish strong.
- •Skenes has a 3.97 ERA in 31 starts this season.
- •His fastball velocity is down from 98.1 mph last year to 96.8 mph.
- •He has one start remaining this season to improve his record.
- •Skenes struck out 192 batters in 168 innings this year.
- •He expressed hope for recovery during the offseason.
- 7:06 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Skenes points to World Baseball Classic as the 'root' of his pitching woes this season
"Skenes' 3.91 ERA with one start left this year is by far the worst of his young career.
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