PITTSBURGH -- Paul Skenes’ 2026 season took another turn in the past week. After throwing just 65 pitches in Miami, Skenes’ next start was pushed back from Sunday against the Red Sox to Wednesday versus the Tigers. The decision by manager Don Kelly was not injury-related, and Skenes was on board.
“We had talked about it when I showed up to the field today,” Skenes told reporters on Saturday night. “I threw my bullpen and everything yesterday, and was fully anticipating starting tomorrow.”
“So, we talked about it when I showed up at the field. Ultimately, it was Donny's decision, but we had talked about it. And like I said after the last start, I'll have his back on whatever that is. I don't necessarily disagree with the decision either.”
Skenes has a 3.88 ERA in 25 starts this season, a far cry from his sub-2.00 ERA in both 2024 and 2025 to start his career. The reigning Cy Young Award winner will now be on seven days' rest as he battles Detroit in the series finale. Here’s everything to know ahead of Skenes’ 26th start.
Last time out
Skenes showcased both his brilliance and inconsistencies in his last outing against the Marlins. The Pirates ace twirled five innings while allowing just one earned run, a mammoth home run by Esteury Ruiz. He struck out four batters and walked one. Pittsburgh fell, 2-0. After only 65 pitches, Skenes was pulled from the start while showing some signs of fatigue.
“[Kelly] walked me through everything and it all made sense,” Skenes said postgame. “I wish I could have gone more, but you know, it kind of is what it is. … You see guys yell at the manager when they're coming out for a mound visit, and I've never done that.”
Facing Detroit
Skenes has faced off with the Tigers three times in his career, winning twice and allowing four earned runs in 18 innings. Skenes took on Detroit twice in 2025 and struck out 15 batters in 12 innings.
The Tigers lineup hasn’t had much success vs. Skenes, as Riley Greene is just 1-for-9 and Spencer Torkelson is 1-for-8. We’ll get a first glance at a matchup between Skenes and star rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle.
Stat to know: 96.8 mph
Skenes’ struggles have revolved around a noticeable dip in velocity. His four-seam fastball has an average velocity of 96.8 mph after marking at 98.2 and 98.8 in his previous two seasons. Skenes was known for his blazing fastball, which became practically unhittable in his first two years.