PIRATES DELAY PAUL SKENES' START TO WEDNESDAY FOR EXTRA REST

The Pittsburgh Pirates postponed Paul Skenes' scheduled start from Sunday to Wednesday, manager Don Kelly announced after the Pirates lost to the Boston Red Sox 4-0 in their middle game. Don Kelly told reporters the decision was not injury-related and that the team wanted to provide Skenes with additional rest. Skenes had completed a bullpen session on Friday and prepared for his original Sunday start in the series finale against Boston. The right-handed pitcher said he and Kelly had discussed the change when he arrived at the field and that he did not disagree with the decision.

Skenes, who won the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, has recorded a 3.88 ERA across 25 starts this season and holds a 9-11 record, the first losing record of his career. His performance represents a significant departure from previous seasons, during which he maintained a sub-2.00 ERA. His fastball velocity has declined noticeably; his four-seam fastballs averaged 96.8 mph this season compared with above 98 mph in past years. In his most recent start against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, his fastball registered a career-low 95.7 mph, and he was removed after 65 pitches, allowing five hits, two runs and one home run across five innings.

Skenes has won only three games in his last 16 starts since 17 May. He recorded a 4.00 ERA across his first four starts of the season but appeared to recover form by the end of April with a 1.62 ERA before performance declined again. The additional rest comes as the Pirates navigate their playoff campaign during the latter stages of the season.