Skenes Start Pushed Back Amid Velocity, Command Red Flags
Pittsburgh gives its ace three extra rest days, moving his next start to Wednesday. The team denies injury but performance metrics are clearly declining.
Pirates manager Don Kelly announced Paul Skenes will skip his scheduled Sunday start and pitch Wednesday instead, citing a need for extra rest. Skenes' four-seam fastball has dropped to 96.8 mph this season, down from 98.2 mph last year, and hit a career-low 95.7 mph in his last outing. His ERA has ballooned to 5.00 over his last 16 starts after sitting at 1.98 in early May. Pittsburgh is not officially labeling this an injury, but the combination of reduced velocity, elevated walk rate, and early hooks raises legitimate concern.
More on the Pirates wire.
Skenes Skips Sunday Start, Pushed to Wednesday vs. Tigers
Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly moved Skenes back for extra rest, turning Sunday's finale into a bullpen game against Boston.
Paul Skenes' Next Start Pushed Back to Wednesday vs. Tigers
The Pirates have pushed Paul Skenes' next start to Wednesday against the Tigers, with the club noting he is fine and receiving extra rest.
Skenes Skipped: Pirates Push Ace Back, Red Sox Dodge Bullet
Pittsburgh is pushing Paul Skenes past his scheduled turn, meaning Boston will not face the Pirates' ace in their upcoming game.
Nick Gonzales exits early with facial contusion after helmet HBP
The Pirates infielder took a pitch off the helmet and did not return, now being evaluated for a facial contusion.
Mason Montgomery Gets Closer Entrance in One-Out Save Situation for Pirates
Mason Montgomery reportedly received a dramatic closer entrance for Pittsburgh in a one-out save situation, per Alex Stumpf of the Pirates beat.
Mason Montgomery Gets Closer Entrance in One-Out Save Situation for Pirates
Pirates used Montgomery in a closer role during a one-out save situation, per beat reporter Alex Stumpf — bullpen role status unconfirmed.