The Pittsburgh Pirates have rescheduled pitcher Paul Skenes' next start, pushing it back three days to provide him with additional rest. Manager Don Kelly announced Saturday that the decision was made amid concerns over the ace's recent performance, emphasizing that Skenes is not dealing with an injury. The move shifts Skenes' start from Sunday against the Boston Red Sox to Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.
"Ultimately, it was Donny’s decision," Skenes told reporters Saturday, according to MLB.com. "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."
The adjustment follows Skenes' outing on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins, where he threw only 65 pitches over five innings, his lowest pitch count in a start this season since his first two big league seasons combined. During that game, he allowed a solo home run and an RBI single, yielding two runs.
Velocity readings from Skenes' recent starts have also drawn attention. On Tuesday, his fastball did not exceed 96.5 mph, a notable drop from his 2025 season average, during which he recorded 68 fastballs at 99 mph or higher. This season, his fastball has averaged 96.9 mph, down from an average of 98.2 mph last year.
"If I were the manager I’d probably do it too," Skenes said after Tuesday's start, per USA Today. "He walked me through everything and it all made sense. Wish I could have gone more but, you know, it kind of is what it is."
Skenes, a three-time All-Star, has posted a 3.88 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP this season. His starts in August have all been limited to five innings. The Pirates currently hold a 60-65 record. Earlier in the week, Skenes was seen on a beach trip in Miami with his girlfriend, Livvy Dunne.