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Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggles amid playoff push

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 4:30 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggles amid playoff push

Summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently 5.5 games back from the NL Wild Card spot. Paul Skenes, the team's ace and Cy Young winner, has faced sharp regression this season, evidenced by a recent outing against the Detroit Tigers where he allowed three earned runs in just 4.1 innings. MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac identified mechanical issues in Skenes’ pitching form, suggesting that minor adjustments could improve his performance. Skenes’ ERA has risen to 3.95 this season, a significant increase from his previous seasons. The team is looking for him to rebound as they continue their playoff pursuit this August.

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By the Numbers

•Pirates trail by 5.5 games for the NL Wild Card spot.
•Paul Skenes allowed three earned runs in 4.1 innings against the Tigers.
•Skenes' ERA increased to 3.95 this season from 1.97 in previous years.
•Dan Plesac suggests Skenes' mechanical issues can be easily fixed.
•Pittsburgh aims for Skenes to improve performance amid playoff pursuit.

Latest Updates

4:30 PMYahoo Sports — MLB Network’s Dan Plesac expertly explains why Paul Skenes is struggling

What they're saying

"
The Pittsburgh Pirates spent most of the season in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, but recent struggles have left them 5.5 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot entering the weekend. Sharp regression from staff ace and reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes has been at the center of…
— Yahoo Sports

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