Skenes blames WBC for velocity dip in down 2025 campaign
The reigning Cy Young winner is posting a 3.91 ERA and points to World Baseball Classic workload as a factor in his reduced stuff this season.
Paul Skenes, the Pirates' ace and reigning Cy Young Award winner, is having a down 2025 season with a 3.91 ERA. He has attributed a noticeable decrease in velocity to his participation in the World Baseball Classic. The workload and timing of the WBC appear to have affected his arm strength heading into the regular season. This represents a meaningful performance concern for one of baseball's top young starters.
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Camilo Doval designated for assignment by Pirates; Ryan Yates activated off IL
The Pirates designated deadline acquisition Camilo Doval for assignment and activated reliever Ryan Yates off the IL, per MLB.com's Aiden Stepansky.
Huascar Brazoban returns from IL, posts scoreless inning in White Sox win over Tigers
The White Sox activated RHP Huascar Brazoban from the 15-day IL and optioned LHP Chris Murphy to Triple-A; Brazoban reportedly earned the win in an 8-1 victory.
Braxton Ashcraft's 2026 season ends early with right arm fatigue
Ashcraft's breakout 2026 campaign has been cut short by right arm fatigue, per MLB.com, with the Pirates right-hander now focused on next season.
Braxton Ashcraft dealing with right arm fatigue after breakout 2026 season cut short
Pirates righty Braxton Ashcraft is looking ahead to next season after right arm fatigue ended his breakout campaign, per MLB.com's Aiden Stepansky; severity and timeline remain unspecified.
Brandon Lowe is a likely qualifying offer candidate as Pirates weigh a career year
Per MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams, Pittsburgh can and should extend Lowe a QO after a 31-HR season, a defensive reversal, and WAR figures of 4.4 and 4.9.
White Sox designate José Urquidy for assignment, recall Noah Schultz from Triple-A
Chicago designated right-hander José Urquidy for assignment and recalled left-hander Noah Schultz from Triple-A Charlotte, per Darragh McDonald at MLB Trade Rumors.