Another Worrying Outing for Paul Skenes

The Pirates have lost their last nine games with Paul Skenes on the mound, including yesterday's game in Philadelphia.

Was it always the Cy Young Award winner's fault? No. But sometimes, he did have things to blame himself for.

Yesterday was clearly one of those nights. In a 10-6 loss, he gave up no fewer than eight runs (seven earned) in just four innings of work.

In his last nine starts, he has a 5.36 earned run average.

His season ERA, which stood at 1.98 on May 12 despite a disastrous outing on Opening Day, is now 3.62.

The problem is that over the past few starts, his command has been off. His velocity has also been declining. That's what's concerning.

Is he tired? Is he hiding an injury? Hard to say.

The Pirates' defense isn't great, and that isn't helping him. But no one here is using that as an excuse when it comes to the most recent National League Cy Young Award winner.

We understand that the All-Star break (in just over a week) could do him some good, since it will give him a few days off from Pirates games.

That said, if he isn't hiding an injury, he'll have to find a way to get back to his old self. The Pirates and Major League Baseball need that.

Does that mean he needs some rest?

We know a guy is entitled to a rough patch, just like everyone else, but it's just unusual in his case. And if he isn't injured, we're confident he'll bounce back.

• Enjoy the show.

• Junior Caminero: a home run in his sixth straight game.

• Will Smith: An absence that will extend beyond the All-Star Game.

• Knee: Brent Rooker's season is over.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.