Pirates shift Skenes’ start to Wednesday as playoff odds collapse

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly has delayed the next start of ace pitcher Paul Skenes, moving the appearance from Sunday to Wednesday to provide additional recovery time. The decision, announced ahead of a series against the Boston Red Sox, is not related to injury but aims to aid Skenes’ recovery and allow other pitchers on the roster extra rest.

Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, had been scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale against the Red Sox. He will now take the mound on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. Right-hander Lake Bachar, who holds a 1-2 record and a 3.97 earned run average, will start in Skenes’ place against Boston.

The move comes as Skenes experiences a measurable dip in performance this season. His average fastball velocity has declined from 98.2 miles per hour in 2025 to 96.8 mph this year. During his previous start against the Marlins, Skenes was pulled after 65 pitches and five innings, allowing two runs and striking out four. For the first time in his Major League Baseball career, he did not throw a single pitch at least 97 mph.

Skenes expressed acceptance of the decision, noting that he had discussed the potential delay with Kelly after throwing a bullpen session. “I’ll have his back on whatever that is. I don’t necessarily disagree with the decision either,” Skenes said, acknowledging that while he prides himself on availability, additional recovery time is beneficial for his long-term health.

The roster adjustment coincides with the Pirates’ declining playoff prospects. The club sits in last place in the National League Central with a 60-65 record. They are six and a half games out of the third and final wild-card spot and behind five teams in the queue. SportsLine currently assigns the Pirates a 6.3 per cent chance of making the postseason, marking their lowest odds since 2015.