Pirates' comments after bizarre Paul Skenes start fuel more skepticism

The Pittsburgh Pirates would apparently like everyone to believe that nothing is wrong with Paul Skenes. But after Tuesday night, that's becoming increasingly difficult to accept without asking a few more questions.

Skenes was removed after just five innings and 65 pitches against the Miami Marlins despite allowing only one earned run. His fastball averaged a career-low 95.7 mph. He didn't throw a single pitch harder than 97 mph. His 12% whiff rate was the lowest of his career.

And yet, according to manager Don Kelly, the decision to pull him "wasn't injury-related." Kelly instead told reporters after the game that he believed going to the bullpen gave the Pirates "the best chance to win."

That explanation would be strange enough on its own. The Pirates supposedly remain in a playoff race, despite being six games back of the final National League Wild Card spot. It's the middle of August, and their ace had thrown only 65 pitches. If Skenes is healthy, removing him after five innings while he's pitching reasonably well is an awfully peculiar way to maximize your chances of winning.

Then Skenes spoke, and somehow things became even less clear. He said he understood Kelly's decision. He said if he were the manager, he probably would have removed himself, too. Then he added that he wished he could have gone longer.

So which is it?

Skenes also referenced changes to his routine and suggested his recent workload might be affecting him, specifically mentioning the number of 30- and 35-pitch innings he's endured this season.

Pirates' messaging on Paul Skenes is becoming increasingly frustrating after early hook vs Marlins

None of this proves Skenes is injured. It would be irresponsible to declare that he is when both he and the organization maintain otherwise. But skepticism is completely warranted.

Skenes' average four-seam fastball velocity has declined from 98.8 mph in 2024 to 98.2 mph last season and roughly 96.9 mph this year. Tuesday represented an even more dramatic dip. Combine that with a 5.79 ERA over his last nine starts, diminishing swing-and-miss numbers and an inexplicable 65-pitch hook, and it's reasonable to wonder whether there's more happening here than the Pirates are willing to say.

If this is simply fatigue, say that. If the Pirates are intentionally managing Skenes' workload, say that. If they believe his mechanics or routine need adjusting, explain it.

Instead, they're trying to have it both ways. They want fans to believe Skenes is completely healthy while simultaneously managing him like a pitcher they're worried about.

If Pittsburgh truly intends to continue acting like this season remains salvageable, it cannot put its ace on what looks suspiciously like a pitch restriction without acknowledging that restriction exists. A healthy Skenes pitching well enough to continue should not be sitting in the dugout after 65 pitches because the bullpen supposedly represents the better option.

Maybe there is an innocent explanation for all of this. But after Tuesday, the Pirates haven't provided one. Until they do, every velocity dip, abbreviated start and carefully worded explanation is only going to create more skepticism about what is actually going on with Paul Skenes.

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