Paul Skenes has fallen back to earth in 2026. The Pirates ace is intent on staying the course

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has returned to the game in 2026, vowing to stay the course despite challenges. Skenes, who won NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and NL Cy Young in 2025, insists he has faced difficult times during his career but remains determined to persist. The towering right-hander acknowledges the high expectations that accompany his success, yet he is committed to pushing through.

In a recent 4-3 victory over Detroit, Skenes allowed three runs on four hits, walked four batters, and struck out five while throwing just 46 of his 81 pitches for strikes. He attributes his improved velocity to the Pirates' rotation adjustments over the weekend, but his lack of control remains a concern. Skenes, who has walked batters five times in his last four starts, is frustrated by this trend and understands the importance of maintaining his discipline.

Manager Don Kelly noticed Skenes' struggles during a critical moment of the game, when the Tigers capitalized on Torres' RBI single with one out in the fifth inning. Skenes was subsequently removed from the game, leading to the Pirates' loss. His manager believes the recent drop in performance is a natural part of Skenes' career and a challenge that every pitcher must face.

Pirates teammate Brandon Lowe, however, remains optimistic about Skenes' future. He emphasizes that the current slump is simply a product of baseball's unpredictability, stating that not everyone can achieve 10 Cy Young Awards throughout their career. Lowe believes Skenes has the potential to return to his previous form and that his recent struggles are merely temporary setbacks.

Skenes himself acknowledges the rough patch, admitting that his ERA has risen to 3.95, more than double his career average of 1.96. Nevertheless, he remains confident that he can rectify his issues and regain his footing. The upcoming nine-game road trip will be a crucial test for Skenes as he seeks to prove his worth to the team and Pirates fans alike.