Pirates Push Back Paul Skenes’ Start, Provide Explanation

PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes was originally scheduled to pitch Sunday’s series finale against the Red Sox, but the Pirates are pushing his start by three days. The right-hander will now pitch Wednesday’s game against the Tigers in Pittsburgh.

The decision to push his start back by three days is not injury-related.

“Just giving Paul more rest. He was ready to go. Feel like it will give him a few more days to recover,” said manager Don Kelly, who announced the decision after Saturday’s loss to Boston. “As we go through that, give other guys on the backside and extra day, as well.”

Skenes last pitched on Tuesday in Miami, when he was pulled after only throwing 65 pitches through five innings. He went through his normal recovery and threw a bullpen at PNC Park on Friday before he was informed of the decision.

“We talked about it at when I showed up at the field [on Saturday],” said Skenes, who was anticipating making his scheduled start. “Ultimately, it was (Kelly’s) decision, but we had talked about it. And like I said after the last start, I’ll have his back on whatever that is. I don’t necessarily disagree with the decision either.”

It’s been a disappointing season for Skenes, who is 9-11 with a 3.88 ERA in 25 starts and has been scuffling since the middle of May. Over his last 16 starts dating back to May 17, Skenes is 3-9 with a 5.00 ERA. The Pirates are 3-13 in those games.

Despite subpar results from the reigning National League Cy Young winner, Skenes doesn’t feel different physically than he has at this time during his previous two seasons. But mentally, things haven’t been quite the same.

“Physically, I don’t think it’s been any more or less challenging than the last couple years,” he said. “Mentally, the challenges have probably been just a little bit different.”

Since making his big-league debut for the Pirates two years ago on May 11, Skenes is one of seven pitchers in MLB to make at least 80 starts. A competitor through and through, Skenes wishes he was making his scheduled start. But he also understands the benefits of pitching on seven days rest while also giving other starters an extra day to recover.

“It certainly can’t hurt in terms of recovery, and you add recovery in for anybody, that’s going to help,” he said. “So, kind of wish it weren’t the case, that I was starting tomorrow because that’s something I pride myself on. But it’s in the long run it’s definitely best to just get some recovery time.”

The Pirates will turn to right-handed reliever Lake Bachar in place of Skenes. Bachar, who has made three relief appearances since he was acquired at the trade deadline, made four of his five career starts with the Marlins this season.

In those four starts, Bachar has allowed two runs on four hits with four walks and 11 strikeouts in nine innings. In 41 total appearances on the season, the 31-year-old is 1-2 with a 3.97 ERA.

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