Paul Skenes struggles with velocity drop for Pirates in 2026 season
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 11:43 PM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Paul Skenes has faced challenges on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2026 season, marked by an alarming drop in his fastball velocity. After a strong start with a 1.09 ERA over eight outings, Skenes has posted a 5.18 ERA in his last 14 starts, with a 6.25 ERA in July. He has not thrown a pitch at 98 MPH or faster in his last four starts, a stark contrast to earlier in his career. Despite some positive indicators, such as a 2.91 FIP and maintaining a high strikeout rate, Skenes has been hit harder, allowing more home runs and exhibiting increased control issues. Pirates fans will be monitoring his performance closely as the season progresses.
- •Skenes has a 5.18 ERA over his last 14 starts.
- •He has not thrown a pitch over 98 MPH in four consecutive games.
- •The Pirates are 3-11 in games started by Skenes during this stretch.
- •Skenes has allowed more home runs this season compared to last.
- •He maintains a high strikeout rate despite velocity concerns.
- 11:43 PMYahoo Sports — Pirates Insider Reveals Worrisome Reason Paul Skenes is Struggling
- 4:27 PMYahoo Sports — Are Paul Skenes’ recent struggles reason for Pirates concern?
- 4:34 PMYahoo Sports — What's wrong with Paul Skenes? Explaining sudden velocity drop and what it means for Pirates ace
"Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes is generally seen as one of the top pitchers in all of baseball.But over his last few starts, Skenes hasn’t looked very much like the dominant ace the league has come to know. In his last three starts, Skenes has allowed 13 runs over 14.1 innings pitched.His command has […] The post Pirates Insider Reveals Worrisome Reason Paul Skenes is Struggling appeared first on HEAVY.
"It's been an uncharacteristic year for Paul Skenes, and the reason might not just be bad luck.
"Paul Skenes has been average over his last 15 starts. What's going on?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 11:43 PMPirates Insider Reveals Worrisome Reason Paul Skenes is Struggling
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes is generally seen as one of the top pitchers in all of baseball.But over his last few starts, Skenes hasn’t looked very much like the dominant ace the league has come to know. In his last three starts, Skenes has allowed 13 runs over 14.1 innings pitched.His command has […] The post Pirates Insider Reveals Worrisome Reason Paul Skenes is Struggling appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 4:27 PMAre Paul Skenes’ recent struggles reason for Pirates concern?
Paul Skenes has been average over his last 15 starts. What's going on?
- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 4:34 PMWhat's wrong with Paul Skenes? Explaining sudden velocity drop and what it means for Pirates ace
It's been an uncharacteristic year for Paul Skenes, and the reason might not just be bad luck.
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