Paul Skenes speaks out after getting pulled from latest flop

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Paul Skenes speaks out after getting pulled from his latest disappointing outing

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 12, 2026 8:01 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are watching their ace crumble right before their very eyes.

Right-hander Paul Skenes has struggled mightily this season and another disappointing outing on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins only furthered the concern of Skenes' future.

Skenes average fastball velocity in Tuesday's game was just 95.7 mph, the lowest of any start in his major league career. Skenes' fastball also topped out at just 96.5 mph, also the lowest in any start of his career.

Paul Skenes was not surprised by being pulled from the game

Because of the circumstances, manager Don Kelly pulled Skenes from the game after five innings having thrown only 65 pitches. He was asked after the game if he was surprised about being pulled with such few pitches thrown and his answer was an extremely honest one.

Asked Paul Skenes if he was surprised being pulled after 65 pitches: “Not really. If I were the manager I’d probably do it too. … Wish I could have gone more, but it is what it is.”
— Matt Press (@MattPress23) August 12, 2026

"Not really," Skenes told reporters. "If I were the manager, I’d probably, do it too. … Wish I could have gone more, but it is what it is.”

To hear Skenes admit that he'd pull himself after having allowed just two runs on 65 pitches through five innings is telling of how he feels about the way his season has gone lately. He's 9-11 this season.

Esteury Ruiz goes yard off Paul Skenes pic.twitter.com/rJAEcdEOKX
— MLB (@MLB) August 11, 2026

What does Pittsburgh do with its ace?

It's clear that something is going on with Skenes, as he is nowhere close to the pitcher he was across his first two major league seasons.

So, that begs the question, what do the Pirates do for the rest of the season? Will shutting down Skenes be an option? Can he be trusted to make productive and meaningful starts down the stretch?

There are many questions to be answered, and only time will tell if Skenes makes another start for Pittsburgh this season. The Pirates are six games out of a wild-card spot and are running out of time to make up ground.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: