Pirates Should Keep Skenes Active to Work Through Struggles
Despite a rough season, the Pirates should not shut down Paul Skenes. The young pitcher has shown improvement after a long break, and staying active may help him develop. Rest does not guarantee future success.
Skenes's recent outings show a mixed recovery arc. After an eight-day layoff—his longest in the majors—he allowed four walks and three runs over 4.1 innings against Detroit, then rebounded with six scoreless innings versus San Diego on standard rest. His workload is currently capped at 85–90 pitches per start, slightly above teammate Jared Jones's 80–85 limit following elbow surgery.
The Pirates have consistently stated Skenes is healthy, and the pitcher echoes that sentiment. His velocity has ticked back up since the Marlins start, though command remains inconsistent. The team's cautious handling mirrors broader MLB trends of protecting young arms, balancing competitive desire against long-term durability concerns.
This decision could shape how MLB teams manage young ace pitchers facing mid-career slumps. If Skenes works through struggles and finishes strong, it may reinforce the value of active development over precautionary shutdowns. Conversely, if he falters or injures himself, it could push organizations toward more conservative rest protocols. Pirates fans, fantasy owners, and the team's competitive outlook for 2027 all hang on this choice, potentially influencing front-office philosophies league-wide.