When it's a night game, Skenes nearly unhittable
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PITTSBURGH -- Paul Skenes is human. The 23-year-old pitching phenom, who will turn 24 on Friday, has produced a 3.12 ERA in the month of May. The tally, while adequate for the average Major League Baseball starter, is his worst in a month of at least two starts since August 2024.
Skenes will make his final start of the month on Thursday against the Cubs, closing out the four-game series between the NL Central foes at PNC Park. Here’s everything to know ahead of Skenes’ 12th start of 2026.
Last time out
Skenes ran into trouble in Toronto on Saturday, allowing nine hits and four runs over five innings. His two strikeouts on the day were his fewest in an outing since Opening Day against the Mets.
The right-hander gave up a leadoff home run to Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer to open the scoring, and in the bottom of the sixth, Skenes failed to record an out and was pulled. The poor start followed up a five-run outing on May 17 against Philadelphia.
Facing Chicago
Thursday will be Skenes’ first start against the Cubs in 2026, and eighth of his career. Through seven starts, Skenes has a 2.94 ERA with 43 strikeouts. Chicago left fielder Ian Happ had two hits in three at-bats against Skenes in 2025, while usual leadoff hitter and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was 1-for-6 with two strikeouts.
Facing the Cubs will be Skenes’ fourth start against a divisional opponent this season thus far.
Stat to know: Day (6.57 ERA) vs. night splits (0.51 ERA)
Skenes’ day-vs.-night-game splits are too drastic to ignore. Through 24 2/3 innings in day games, Skenes has posted a 6.57 ERA with a .308 opposing batting average. In 35 1/3 innings during night games, Skenes is nearly untouchable with a 0.51 ERA and a .071 opposing batting average. Luckily for Skenes and Pittsburgh, Thursday’s contest is a 6:40 p.m. ET start.
After Skenes’ last outing against Toronto, a 3:07 p.m. start, he said he wasn’t too concerned about the splits, though he acknowledged it was likely worth looking into.