Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has confirmed that Paul Skenes is not injured, despite a slump. While the team has delayed Skenes’ next start to provide extra rest, management remains confident in his performance, noting that he is currently navigating typical late-season fatigue.
Managing Skenes’ Workload Through August Fatigue
The decision to push Paul Skenes’ scheduled Sunday start to Wednesday was a proactive move by the Pirates to address what the organization characterizes as general wear and tear. Despite the team’s 3-9 record in his last 16 starts and a 5.00 ERA over that stretch, General Manager Ben Cherington dismissed speculation that the 24-year-old is dealing with an underlying injury.
“There’s no indication, no information we have, that suggests that — that he’s hurt or there’s an injury. He doesn’t believe that. We don’t see that based upon the information we have.”
Ben Cherington, Pirates General Manager
Cherington traced the current fatigue back to the immense workload Skenes has shouldered since his 2023 national championship run at LSU. The front office views this period as a standard hurdle for elite pitchers, rather than a cause for long-term alarm.
Statistical Context of a Challenging Season
While Skenes’ 3.88 ERA is significantly higher than his previous seasons, Cherington argued that the underlying metrics suggest the pitcher remains effective. According to the organization, Skenes’ walk and strikeout rates remain consistent with his past performance, and he is currently on track for a 4-5 win season.
“He’s among the league leaders in strikeouts. His strikeout and walk rates are exactly where they’ve been in the past and he’s on pace for a 4-5 win season for a starting pitcher. This has been an excellent year for him.”
Ben Cherington, Pirates General Manager
Skenes’ four-seam fastball has averaged 96.8 mph this year, a decrease from the 98.8 mph he recorded during his rookie campaign. The Pirates are banking on the additional recovery time to help him regain the life
on his pitches that has appeared absent in recent outings.
Oneil Cruz and the Path to Return
The Pirates are also managing the recovery of Oneil Cruz, who has been sidelined since June 7 due to fractures in his left hand. While Cherington confirmed that the bones are technically healed,
the team is proceeding with caution regarding the residual soreness that typically accompanies contact for a hitter.
The organization’s timeline for Cruz remains flexible, as they continue to assess his comfort level at the plate. In his absence, Jake Mangum has emerged as a key contributor, hitting .322 with an .811 OPS over his last 63 games. Cherington noted that Mangum has earned a permanent role, setting up a situation where the team will likely utilize both players in the lineup once Cruz is fully active.
Upcoming Medical Evaluations for Griffin and Rodriguez
The Pirates’ medical staff faces a busy week with two other significant injury updates pending. Konnor Griffin, who has been recovering from a torn sagittal band in his left ring finger, reaches the six-week mark this Wednesday. The team expects this milestone to serve as a checkpoint for determining if he can ramp up baseball activities.
As the club navigates these injuries, the primary focus remains on whether the extra rest will allow Skenes to return to his dominant form. With the Tigers series approaching, the team’s decisions regarding their rotation and lineup will be guided by daily evaluations of player health, specifically listening to feedback from Skenes and Cruz as they work through their respective recovery periods.
