The Pittsburgh Pirates have postponed Paul Skenes' next start by three days to provide him with additional rest during a challenging period in his career. Manager Don Kelly confirmed that the decision is not due to injury, and Skenes expressed support for the move, citing fatigue as a potential factor in his recent performance issues.
Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, has struggled with his velocity, averaging a career-low 95.7 mph on his fastball in his last outing. The Pirates, currently in last place in the NL Central, have lost 16 of their last 23 games, and Skenes' performance will be crucial as they aim to improve their standings.
Watch for Skenes' performance against the Tigers after the extra rest; it could indicate if he can regain his form. The Pirates need him to stabilize their rotation as they fight to avoid a last-place finish. His recovery will be key for any late-season push.