The Pittsburgh Pirates pushed back the next start of pitcher Paul Skenes from Sunday to Wednesday, Aug. 21 [1].
The scheduling change affects the team's rotation as they manage the workload of their reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. Ensuring the health of their ace is critical as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
Manager Don Kelly said the delay is intended to give Skenes a few more days to recover [2]. Kelly said the move is not related to any injury [2].
Skenes was originally scheduled to pitch on Sunday, Aug. 16 [1]. The shift to Wednesday represents a five-day delay in his appearance [1]. This adjustment moves his start into the mid-week series against the Detroit Tigers [3].
The decision follows a previous outing where Skenes was pulled after throwing 65 pitches [4]. While the team has not provided specific details on the recovery process, the decision to provide extra rest suggests a cautious approach to his pitch count and physical fatigue.
The Pirates are currently managing these rotations while their playoff hopes continue to fade [1]. By delaying the start, the organization prioritizes the long-term health of Skenes over a single regular-season appearance.
“The delay is to give Skenes a few more days to recover and is not related to any injury.”
The Pirates are prioritizing player longevity over immediate results. By delaying the start of a high-value asset like Skenes—especially after a limited 65-pitch outing—the team is signaling a shift toward workload management. With playoff odds dwindling, the organization is likely focusing on protecting their ace from potential injury rather than chasing a slim postseason chance.
