The Pirates began this season knowing their starting rotation would be a key part of their team success. But over the past few weeks, there’s certainly been room for improvement.
Pittsburgh’s starters allowed 21 runs on this most recent road trip (6.37 ERA). Since May 17, that group has allowed 57 earned runs while posting a 4.92 ERA, both bottom-10 marks in MLB.
It’s not a gigantic cause for concern. The bullpen has been a bigger issue. But to get where they want to go, the Pirates know their starting rotation must be elite.
This upcoming series will offer a chance for Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller to get right, as well as another piggyback situation involving Jared Jones and either Carmen Mlodzinski or Wilber Dotel.
Asked Sunday on his weekly radio show what the Pirates have identified with their starters of late, general manager Ben Cherington said corrections usually attack plans this time of year. He’s also not worried about this group bouncing back and delivering the types of performances we’ve come to expect.
“I don’t think we’ve seen that’s much more than the ebbs and flows of the season,” Cherington said “You hear about days where starters have their ‘A game’ and days where they have their ‘B-plus game.’ Still have to find a way to compete and win during those ‘B-plus days.’
“We’re asking those questions every day. And if we do identify anything, we’re attacking it right away.”
With that in mind, here are five more questions the Pirates face with the arrival of the Dodgers for a three-game set at PNC Park.
When will Paul Skenes dominate again?
Worrying about Skenes is a fool’s errand. But he does have a 5.85 ERA while topping out at 5 1/3 innings in previous four starts. Skenes’ average four-seam velocity has dropped 1.1 mph this season, while his season ERA (3.09) is more than run higher than 2025 (1.97).
It’s also true that Skenes’ expected ERA (2.30), expected slugging percentage against (.298) and walk rate (4.7%) are all career lows.
Relax, it’ll be fine.
“I have the highest level of trust in him, for sure,” Cherington said. “He’s still throwing really hard. He’s so good in so many ways; he doesn’t need to throw 100 mph to be really successful.
“If there’s anything different at all, we did have the World Baseball Classic. It would be natural and understandable to have an adjustment from that. He’s so conscientious, he has such a good plan, and he’s just so good at what he does. He’s gonna figure that out.”
Is this lasting for Oneil Cruz?
Cruz didn’t start Sunday due to a minor left hand injury he sustained while sliding into home Saturday. Cherington doesn’t think it’ll be a long-term thing.
The bigger question is whether Cruz’s improved plate discipline and swing decisions last. In a 10-game stretch prior Sunday, Cruz was hitting .342 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, five stolen bases, eight runs scored and a 1.089 OPS.
He ranked second in MLB in on-base percentage (.510) and walks (12) during that clip while also reducing his strikeout rate about by 6%.
Cherington credited Cruz sticking to his plan and working on it every day, along with how some Pirates veterans have offered lineup protection.
"It’s been a really good stretch,” Cherington said. “We’ll look to keep it going.”
What does lack of success w/RISP mean?
It’s hard to square the Pirates’ overall offensive production -- they’re fourth in runs (333) and sixth in OPS (.735) -- with how they’ve fared with runners in scoring position.
The latter hurt them against the Braves, as Pirates went 6-for-29, stranding 18.
Overall, the Pirates are 17th in batting average (.240) and 24th in OPS (.688) with runners in scoring position. They’re one of three teams to rank in the top 10 in runs but not when it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position.
“We have to find a way to be better with runners in scoring position and better when we have opportunities to score,” manager Don Kelly said after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Truist Park.
What happens with the bullpen?
Mlodzinski to the bullpen was a start. Dotel (1.08 ERA in 16 2/3 innings) has been a pleasant surprise, too. But the Pirates still need relief help.
Only two MLB teams have more than their 14 blown saves, while Pirates relievers have the fifth-worst ERA (5.06) since April 27.
That must change, but Cherington said Sunday the trade market remains gridlocked, emphasizing the need for internal improvement and others in the organization stepping up, along with a potential deal.
“We have to do all of those things if we want to give ourselves the best chance to get better and more consistent performance,” Cherington said. “Which we need to do.”
What do they do with Marcell Ozuna?
After a two-hit game Friday that included a standing ovation, Marcell Ozuna said he felt confident again and believes the warmer weather will soon lead to a breakout.
The Pirates have similar expectations, though Ozuna went hitless in three at-bats Sunday and sits at just .193 with a .581 OPS. It hasn’t been the start player or team has wanted. However, Cherington said the believe in Ozuna.
“He’s a big part of the team,” Cherington said. “We’re gonna keep working with him. He’s made really big contributions off the field. Hasn’t gotten quite going on the field yet.
“We’re gonna give it time because we still see that hot streak out there for him. We want to be the beneficiaries of that, when that happens. Still confident that will happen.”
It’s certainly a tricky proposition.
The Pirates are paying Ozuna $10.5 million this season and rightfully expecting production. If he’s not going to provide it, they have others such as Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O’Hearn who could use DH days. It’s hard for Ozuna to heat up without playing him.
“We’ll keep going with him,” Cherington said. “In the meantime, he’s been such a good guy in the dugout and in the clubhouse.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.