Skenes' Resurgence: Can the Pirates Keep the Momentum Going?
Paul Skenes, the young pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been on a remarkable journey this season. After a nine-game winless streak across May, June, and early July, Skenes has found his rhythm, posting two blowout victories in his last two starts. The question now is whether this resurgence can continue as the Pirates look to close out a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
The First Half's Success
Skenes' recent form has been a stark contrast to his early season struggles. In his previous start against the Brewers, Skenes showcased his Cy Young potential, allowing only two runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Bucs' offense provided him with a substantial lead in the fourth inning, and he exited with just 82 pitches, indicating his dominance. This performance built upon a previous start against the Braves on July 7, where Skenes also pitched six innings, giving up two earned runs.
However, Skenes' journey hasn't always been smooth. He faced a challenging start to July in Philadelphia, allowing a career-high seven earned runs. But since then, he seems to have found his stride, cruising like the pitcher we've come to know and expect.
Facing the Guardians
Skenes has a history with the Guardians, having faced them once before on April 19, 2025. In that contest, he allowed two earned runs in seven innings, contributing to a 3-0 Pirates loss. Despite this, Skenes' performance against the Guardians has been impressive, and he will look to shut down key players like Kyle Manzardo. Interestingly, the Guardians' superstar, José Ramírez, remains on the injured list, providing Skenes with a less intimidating lineup.
The Guardians' lineup also features rookies Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter, who regularly sit near the top of the order. Skenes will have to navigate these young talents, ensuring he doesn't give up any early runs.
The Fastball's Impact
One aspect that has been a topic of discussion is Skenes' fastball. His velocity has dipped from 98.2 mph to 96.9 mph, but Skenes remains unbothered. His statistics tell a different story. Skenes' four-seam fastball still holds a +11 run value, placing it in the 94th percentile across Major League Baseball. This pitch has a .195 batting average against, a significant improvement from the .200 average in 2025.
Despite the slight dip in velocity, Skenes' fastball run value remains impressive, and he continues to feel good about his performance. This resilience and adaptability are crucial for a pitcher's success, and Skenes seems to possess both in abundance.
As Skenes prepares for his 21st start of the season and the beginning of the second half, the Pirates will be counting on him to maintain this momentum. With the team seeking their third straight win, Skenes' performance will be pivotal in determining the team's success in the upcoming games.
