The 2026 MLB season is quickly heading in the wrong direction for Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, came into this season with a ton of hype. To be fair, he went 10-10 last year with a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts. Unfortunately, his production has really dipped over the past month or so.
In July, Skenes gave up four home runs and had a 6.25 ERA. Although he only gave up one earned run on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins, he was pulled after just 65 pitches.
MLB fans noticed that Skenes' fastest pitch on Tuesday night was 96.5 mph. According to ESPN, he averaged a career-low 95.7 mph on his fastball.
Rhona Wise-Imagn Images.
Overall, Skenes' fastball velocity this season is clocking in at 96.8 mph. That's a noticeable drop from last year's average (98.1 mph). With that being said, MLB fans are worried that his right arm already has a ton of wear and tear.
"Pulled after 65 pitches and the velo was down big time," Eric Hubbs of Barstool Sports said. "This could be very bad."
"Dude’s arm is already shot and he’s 24," a fan commented.
"Getting him checked immediately is the only thing that matters right now," another fan wrote.
Some good news for Skenes.
Despite concerns about his velocity, Pirates manager Don Kelly said Skenes' early exit wasn't injury-related.
"[Kelly] walked me through everything, and it made sense," Skenes said. "I wish I could have gone more, but it kinda is what it is."
As of now, Skenes is on track to start on either Aug. 16 against the Boston Red Sox or Aug. 17 against the Detroit Tigers.
If Skenes makes his next start, that should ease some concerns about his arm.
