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Pirates shift Skenes’ start to Wednesday as playoff odds collapse
The decision to rest Paul Skenes follows a velocity dip and coincides with Pittsburgh’s 6.3 per cent postseason probability.
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Event
Pirates delay Paul Skenes’ start for extra rest
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly has delayed ace pitcher Paul Skenes' next start from Sunday to Wednesday to provide additional recovery time. The decision, made ahead of a series against the Boston Red Sox, is not related to injury but aims to aid Skenes' recovery and allow other pitchers extra rest. Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, has experienced a dip in fastball velocity and performance this season. The move coincides with the Pirates' declining playoff prospects, as they currently sit in last place in the NL Central with a 60-65 record.
2 published stories · paul-skenes · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
The Pittsburgh Pirates have postponed the scheduled start of right-hand pitcher Paul Skenes by three days to allow for additional recovery time. Originally slated to pitch the series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, Skenes will now start against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Manager Don Kelly confirmed the decision was not injury-related, noting that Skenes last pitched on Tuesday in Miami and has completed a normal recovery routine, including a bullpen session on Friday. The move also provides extra rest for other players on the back end of the rotation.
event-brief
Pirates delay Paul Skenes’ start for extra rest
The Pittsburgh Pirates have postponed the scheduled start of right-hand pitcher Paul Skenes by three days to allow for additional recovery time. Originally slated to pitch the series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, Skenes will now start against the Detroit Tigers on
Reporting trail
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/paul-skenes-next-start-pirates-playoff-odds | published 2026-08-16T15:47:00.000Z | primary sourceYahoo Sports | https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pirates-push-back-paul-skenes-132920801.html | published 2026-08-16T13:29:20.000Z | primary sourceYahoo Sports | Primary source for the announcement and manager quotes.WPXI News | Local affiliate providing additional context on the bullpen session and app promotion (noise).
Fact cards
entity brief
Pirates delay Paul Skenes’ start for extra rest: key people and institutions
Key entities: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates, Don Kelly, Boston Red Sox, National League, MLB.
faq brief
Pirates delay Paul Skenes’ start for extra rest: key questions
Why was Paul Skenes’ start delayed? To provide additional recovery time; the decision was not injury-related. Who is the Pirates’ manager? Don Kelly. Who will Paul Skenes pitch against in his new start? The Detroit Tigers. Where will the rescheduled game take place? PNC Park in P
source brief
Pirates delay Paul Skenes’ start for extra rest: reporting sources
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/paul-skenes-next-start-pirates-playoff-odds | published 2026-08-16T15:47:00.000Z | primary source | Yahoo Sports | https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pirates-push-back-paul-skenes-132920801.html | published 2026-08-16T13:29:20.000Z |
timeline brief
Pirates delay Paul Skenes’ start for extra rest: timeline
Tuesday: Paul Skenes pitches in Miami, throwing 65 pitches through five innings before being pulled. Friday: Skenes completes a normal recovery routine and throws a bullpen session at PNC Park. Saturday: The Pirates lose to the Boston Red Sox; Manager Don Kelly announces the sche
Timeline
Tuesday
Paul Skenes pitches in Miami, throwing 65 pitches through five innings before being pulled.
Friday
Skenes completes a normal recovery routine and throws a bullpen session at PNC Park.
Saturday
The Pirates lose to the Boston Red Sox; Manager Don Kelly announces the schedule change.
Sunday (Original)
Scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox (postponed).
Wednesday (New)
Scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers in Pittsburgh.
FAQ
Why was Paul Skenes’ start delayed?
To provide additional recovery time; the decision was not injury-related.
Who is the Pirates’ manager?
Don Kelly.
Who will Paul Skenes pitch against in his new start?
The Detroit Tigers.
Where will the rescheduled game take place?
PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
When did Skenes last pitch before this announcement?
Tuesday in Miami.