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Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes addresses drop in fastball velocity

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 5:42 AM

Last updated Sep 22, 2026

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes addresses drop in fastball velocity

Summary

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has struggled in 2026, posting a 10-11 record and a career-high ERA of 3.91 in 31 starts. His fastball velocity has decreased from nearly 99 mph in his first two seasons to 96.8 mph this year, contributing to his challenges. Skenes partially attributes this decline to his participation in the World Baseball Classic, which interrupted his typical offseason preparation. He noted that the transition from Spring Training to competitive play caught him off guard and led to mechanical changes. Skenes remains confident that rest and recovery during the offseason will help him regain his form for the 2027 season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Skenes has a 10-11 record and 3.91 ERA in 2026.
•His fastball velocity dropped from 98.9 mph to 96.8 mph.
•He feels the World Baseball Classic affected his performance.
•Skenes believes an offseason will help him recover.
•Pirates are currently positioned to contend for a postseason spot.

Latest Updates

5:42 AMYahoo Sports — Pirates news: Paul Skenes gets 100% real about 'root' of concerning velo drop

What they're saying

"
Paul Skenes has not been his typically elite self in 2026 , which is a shame considering that the Pittsburgh Pirates currently have a winning record and put themselves in somewhat of a position to contend for a postseason spot. Skenes, this season, has posted a 10-11 record with a career-worst ERA of 3.91 in 31 starts (168.0 innings pitched) — with […] The post Pirates news: Paul Skenes gets 100% real about 'root' of concerning velo drop appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Baseball