Paul Skenes Slides to 3-8 in 15 Starts as Dead-Arm, Weight Theories Grow
Updated
Updated · Pittsburgh Baseball Now · Aug 11
Paul Skenes Slides to 3-8 in 15 Starts as Dead-Arm, Weight Theories Grow
3 articles · Updated · Pittsburgh Baseball Now · Aug 11
Summary
Paul Skenes enters Tuesday’s start in Miami mired in a 15-start skid since May 12, going 3-8 with a 5.20 ERA and only five quality starts.
His slump has deepened lately: Skenes is 0-2 with an 8.16 ERA over his last three outings, while Pittsburgh has lost 14 of its last 20 games and gone 3-12 in his last 15 starts.
Anonymous opposing hitters and other baseball figures have floated two explanations — possible “dead arm” after World Baseball Classic buildup and added weight that may be slowing his delivery and trimming fastball velocity.
The Pirates still insist nothing is wrong, citing Skenes’ 2.91 FIP as evidence of bad luck, even as other analyses have pointed to mechanical and windup changes behind his declining results.