PITTSBURGH -- Paul Skenes went through June without earning a victory. But entering July, the Pirates' ace still holds a 3.10 ERA through 17 starts in his third Major League season.
In a stacked National League field, Skenes is looking to become the fourth pitcher in MLB history to make the Midsummer Classic in his first three seasons, joining Yu Darvish, Dwight Gooden and Tom Seaver. Getting back on track in Philadelphia on Wednesday would certainly be helpful to his case. Here’s everything to know ahead of Skenes’ 18th start of the year.
Last time out
Skenes fell into trouble but made history in his latest start, a loss to the Reds on Friday night. He recorded his 500th career strikeout -- becoming the quickest in Pirates history to reach the milestone (72 games). But in a 38-pitch second inning, Skenes allowed four runs, putting Pittsburgh in a hole early.
Skenes bounced back to throw just 40 pitches across his final three innings before exiting after the fifth. The contest became the eighth straight game Pittsburgh lost with Skenes as the starter.
Facing Philly
Skenes’ winless streak began against the Phillies on May 17, allowing five runs on six hits through five innings. He struck out seven while walking one, and Bryce Harper took Skenes deep to center field.
Philadelphia, which will send Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.03 ERA in 12 starts) to the mound opposite Skenes, is one of the hottest teams in baseball. Against Skenes, MLB home run leader Kyle Schwarber is 0-for-9 with five strikeouts. Harper is 2-for-6 with two strikeouts. Brandon Marsh is 2-for-7 and Alec Bohm is 2-for-9. Harper is the only player on the squad to homer off Skenes, and the starter holds a 2.61 ERA against Philadelphia in three starts.
Stat to know: 16.8%
Skenes has increased his changeup usage drastically from year to year. What began as his least-used pitch in 2024 at 5.4% has moved to his most-used offspeed pitch at 16.8% this season. The pitch was his fourth-most used in 2025, thrown 10.9% of the time.
Skenes’ changeup has produced a .213 batting average against this year, and he’s used it largely against left-handed hitters. The pitch has been turned around for a home run only once so far.