10 hours ago
Paul Skenes' nightmarish July leaves ex-Cowboys star searching for answers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paul Skenes has done nothing but impress over his past two years in the MLB. However, July marked a rare instance for the Pirates ace, who struggled to keep the ball out of play.
In July, the right-hander went 3-2 with a 6.25 ERA, allowing 22 earned runs and 37 hits. In his latest start against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, Skenes lasted only four innings, giving up five earned runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out seven. His season ERA has now climbed to 3.90.
After Skenes' latest start, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was curious about this uncharacteristic downfall.
"Curious question..What do you guys think the issue is with Paul Skenes?" he asked on X.
#paul #july #hits
Paul Skenes has done nothing but impress over his past two years in the MLB. However, July marked a rare instance for the Pirates ace, who struggled to keep the ball out of play.
In July, the right-hander went 3-2 with a 6.25 ERA, allowing 22 earned runs and 37 hits. In his latest start against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, Skenes lasted only four innings, giving up five earned runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out seven. His season ERA has now climbed to 3.90.
After Skenes' latest start, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was curious about this uncharacteristic downfall.
"Curious question..What do you guys think the issue is with Paul Skenes?" he asked on X.
#paul #july #hits
1 day ago
Paul Skenes entered the 2026 MLB season as arguably the best pitcher in the game.
The top pick of the 2023 MLB Draft was the Rookie of the Year in 2024 and won the NL Cy Young Award in 2025 with a sterling 1.97 ERA.
After a disastrous 2026 opening day that saw him give up five runs and fail to escape the first inning, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace settled back in, getting his ERA back below 2 by May 12 and keeping it at 3 or below until it hit 3.10 on May 26.
Skenes' ERA sits at 3.90 now after he lasted just four innings on Friday night, giving up seven hits (including two homers) and five runs. The Pirates ended up losing 8-7 to the Cincinnati Reds, though Skenes did not take the loss.
"It took pretty much an inning to find my delivery, which happens. Usually it doesn't look that bad in the first inning," Skenes said postgame. "Just pretty sloppy all around."
#inning
The top pick of the 2023 MLB Draft was the Rookie of the Year in 2024 and won the NL Cy Young Award in 2025 with a sterling 1.97 ERA.
After a disastrous 2026 opening day that saw him give up five runs and fail to escape the first inning, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace settled back in, getting his ERA back below 2 by May 12 and keeping it at 3 or below until it hit 3.10 on May 26.
Skenes' ERA sits at 3.90 now after he lasted just four innings on Friday night, giving up seven hits (including two homers) and five runs. The Pirates ended up losing 8-7 to the Cincinnati Reds, though Skenes did not take the loss.
"It took pretty much an inning to find my delivery, which happens. Usually it doesn't look that bad in the first inning," Skenes said postgame. "Just pretty sloppy all around."
#inning
1 day ago
This article originally appeared on PGHBaseballNOW.com.
For the Pirates, Friday night's game at Great American Ballpark was a nightmare.
Starter Paul Skenes struggled, the bullpen blew its 20th save, a costly miscue in the eighth gave the Reds the lead, and Ryan O'Hearn had to be carried off the field in the ninth inning of an 8-7 loss to the Reds. Their losing streak is now at four games.
Top 1st, 2-0 PIT: The Pirates (55-56) took advantage of a couple defensive miscues and scored a pair of runs on a Nick Gonzales two-out single up the middle off Hunter Greene with the bases loaded.
Bottom 1st, 2-2: Paul Skenes labored through a 36-pitch inning and the Reds (52-57) quickly struck back to tie the game. Tyler Stephenson ripped an RBI double down the left field line and Nathaniel Lowe plated a run with a base hit to right.
#skenes #field #inning #pghbaseballnow
For the Pirates, Friday night's game at Great American Ballpark was a nightmare.
Starter Paul Skenes struggled, the bullpen blew its 20th save, a costly miscue in the eighth gave the Reds the lead, and Ryan O'Hearn had to be carried off the field in the ninth inning of an 8-7 loss to the Reds. Their losing streak is now at four games.
Top 1st, 2-0 PIT: The Pirates (55-56) took advantage of a couple defensive miscues and scored a pair of runs on a Nick Gonzales two-out single up the middle off Hunter Greene with the bases loaded.
Bottom 1st, 2-2: Paul Skenes labored through a 36-pitch inning and the Reds (52-57) quickly struck back to tie the game. Tyler Stephenson ripped an RBI double down the left field line and Nathaniel Lowe plated a run with a base hit to right.
#skenes #field #inning #pghbaseballnow
4 days ago
Pitching development has been the Red Sox's bread and ******* er under Craig Breslow. Since Breslow took over, the organization has invested heavily in the pitching pipeline. In his first two drafts, 28 of the team's 41 picks were spent on pitchers — 29 if you count two-way player Conrad Cason. At the major league level, Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and Jake Bennett have all contributed after spending time in the system.
This season, the draft was more balanced, but several pitchers were still selected in the middle and later rounds. One of them was left-hander Brett Lanman out of Abilene Christian University, selected in the fifth round. Lanman, like many of the pitchers acquired by Breslow during his tenure as Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer, is huge. He's listed at 6-5, 230 pounds, and uses that frame to extend down the mound and help his pitches play up. While no two pitchers are the same, he's excited to get to an organization with a recent track record of getting young arms to the major leagues.
"I'm ready to get to work, cause these guys know what they're talking about," Lanman said. "They've developed these guys, and they're in the big leagues. It's like, man, they know, they know what it takes to get a left-handed pitcher into the big leagues pretty quickly."
Draft picks, to an extent, are lottery tickets. It's incredibly rare for a draft pick to enter the league as a major league-level talent. Paul Skeneses (Skenesi? Skenes?) don't grow on trees, and if they did, they'd all be first-round picks. Lanman, as a fifth-round pick, is far from a finished product. If he were, his ERA in his final season at ACU likely would have been lower than 5.35. The Red Sox didn't select the lefty because of his college results. They picked him because of who they believe he can become.
Potential is based on traits, such as being huge and left-handed. Lanman is both huge (6-5, 230) and left-handed. He also has a low release point and plus extension, creating a flat attack angle for his fastball. Most starting pitchers who succeed have a fastball as the foundation. Lanman knows that his heater is what's brought him this far, and that's what the Red Sox will want to build upon.
#league #round
This season, the draft was more balanced, but several pitchers were still selected in the middle and later rounds. One of them was left-hander Brett Lanman out of Abilene Christian University, selected in the fifth round. Lanman, like many of the pitchers acquired by Breslow during his tenure as Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer, is huge. He's listed at 6-5, 230 pounds, and uses that frame to extend down the mound and help his pitches play up. While no two pitchers are the same, he's excited to get to an organization with a recent track record of getting young arms to the major leagues.
"I'm ready to get to work, cause these guys know what they're talking about," Lanman said. "They've developed these guys, and they're in the big leagues. It's like, man, they know, they know what it takes to get a left-handed pitcher into the big leagues pretty quickly."
Draft picks, to an extent, are lottery tickets. It's incredibly rare for a draft pick to enter the league as a major league-level talent. Paul Skeneses (Skenesi? Skenes?) don't grow on trees, and if they did, they'd all be first-round picks. Lanman, as a fifth-round pick, is far from a finished product. If he were, his ERA in his final season at ACU likely would have been lower than 5.35. The Red Sox didn't select the lefty because of his college results. They picked him because of who they believe he can become.
Potential is based on traits, such as being huge and left-handed. Lanman is both huge (6-5, 230) and left-handed. He also has a low release point and plus extension, creating a flat attack angle for his fastball. Most starting pitchers who succeed have a fastball as the foundation. Lanman knows that his heater is what's brought him this far, and that's what the Red Sox will want to build upon.
#league #round
11 days ago
Dynasty fantasy baseball - it is a long-term game where a manager must exploit potential rather than current value. We look for who may become a breakout star and stash them on our bench while the current stars of baseball do the immediate work. It is much more of a chess match, but the smartest shall prevail.
A great way to leverage your team's upside is to focus on the MLB's top prospects. Who will be coming up soon, and/or who just arrived in the majors? Ranked inside the top 50 of the pipeline, stars sit in the waiting. They just may become the next Mike Trout or Aaron Judge- who knows? Here are the latest prospects to have a keen eye on late in July.
Anderson was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. He currently plays for Double-A Arkansas and does so with a 1.36 ERA in 14 games. Anderson's record is 8-1, and he is arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball. He is supposed to be an ace-caliber pitcher once he makes his debut, and that debut is expected by the end of this season.
The value of Anderson may not bring you a 2026 **** le, but it shall give you Skenes-level upside in 2027 and beyond.
Verdict: Must-Stash
#must #become
A great way to leverage your team's upside is to focus on the MLB's top prospects. Who will be coming up soon, and/or who just arrived in the majors? Ranked inside the top 50 of the pipeline, stars sit in the waiting. They just may become the next Mike Trout or Aaron Judge- who knows? Here are the latest prospects to have a keen eye on late in July.
Anderson was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. He currently plays for Double-A Arkansas and does so with a 1.36 ERA in 14 games. Anderson's record is 8-1, and he is arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball. He is supposed to be an ace-caliber pitcher once he makes his debut, and that debut is expected by the end of this season.
The value of Anderson may not bring you a 2026 **** le, but it shall give you Skenes-level upside in 2027 and beyond.
Verdict: Must-Stash
#must #become
12 days ago
Livvy Dunne had a perfect comeback for the Cleveland Guardians after they tried to troll her boyfriend Paul Skenes on Sunday, July 19
The Guardians used Dunne's last name in a joke after Skenes' error led to a run for Cleveland in the third inning
After the Pirates went on to win the game 7-1, Dunne clapped back
Livvy Dunne had an epic clapback when the Cleveland Guardians tried to troll her boyfriend Paul Skenes.
Skenes, 24, and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Guardians 7-1 on Sunday, July 19, but Cleveland's social media team was feeling feisty when they scored the first run of the game due to Skenes' error in the third inning.
#skenes #cleveland #sunday
The Guardians used Dunne's last name in a joke after Skenes' error led to a run for Cleveland in the third inning
After the Pirates went on to win the game 7-1, Dunne clapped back
Livvy Dunne had an epic clapback when the Cleveland Guardians tried to troll her boyfriend Paul Skenes.
Skenes, 24, and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Guardians 7-1 on Sunday, July 19, but Cleveland's social media team was feeling feisty when they scored the first run of the game due to Skenes' error in the third inning.
#skenes #cleveland #sunday
18 days ago
Olivia Dunne makes statement with stylish look while supporting Paul Skenes at MLB All-Star Game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Olivia Dunne continues to be one of the most recognizable faces in sports, and she made another memorable appearance Tuesday night while supporting boyfriend Paul Skenes at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. The former LSU gymnastics star accompanied the Pittsburgh Pirates ace to the annual Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia, where the couple drew plenty of attention during the All-Star red carpet festivities before the game.
Skenes, meanwhile, had plenty to celebrate himself. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner earned his third consecutive All-Star selection after another standout first half. Despite an 8-8 record entering the break, the Pirates right-hander posted a 3.57 ERA with 130 strikeouts, remaining one of baseball's premier starting pitchers.
As Skenes prepared for another All-Star appearance, Dunne was right by his side.
Before players took the field, Skenes and Dunne walked the red carpet together, quickly becoming one of the night's most talked-about couples. Dunne wore a sleek black-and-white dress that generated widespread reaction across social media, with fans praising her elegant look. Major League Baseball also highlighted the pair's arrival by sharing video of the couple on its official social media accounts.
Olivia Dunne continues to be one of the most recognizable faces in sports, and she made another memorable appearance Tuesday night while supporting boyfriend Paul Skenes at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. The former LSU gymnastics star accompanied the Pittsburgh Pirates ace to the annual Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia, where the couple drew plenty of attention during the All-Star red carpet festivities before the game.
Skenes, meanwhile, had plenty to celebrate himself. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner earned his third consecutive All-Star selection after another standout first half. Despite an 8-8 record entering the break, the Pirates right-hander posted a 3.57 ERA with 130 strikeouts, remaining one of baseball's premier starting pitchers.
As Skenes prepared for another All-Star appearance, Dunne was right by his side.
Before players took the field, Skenes and Dunne walked the red carpet together, quickly becoming one of the night's most talked-about couples. Dunne wore a sleek black-and-white dress that generated widespread reaction across social media, with fans praising her elegant look. Major League Baseball also highlighted the pair's arrival by sharing video of the couple on its official social media accounts.
18 days ago
Livvy Dunne Faced Paul Skenes' Fastball, and it Went How You'd Expect for Pirates Ace Vs. Girlfriend originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paul Skenes wasn't available to pitch in the All-Star Game for the National League, but the Pittsburgh Pirates superstar was there to take part in the festivities in Philadelphia.
By his side was his girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, and they turned heads during the Red Carpet Show before the game.
They also told some fun stories, enjoying the chance to appreciate the day without a potential pitching outing for Skenes to worry about.
Maybe the best story? The time Dunne stood in against Skenes.
Paul Skenes wasn't available to pitch in the All-Star Game for the National League, but the Pittsburgh Pirates superstar was there to take part in the festivities in Philadelphia.
By his side was his girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, and they turned heads during the Red Carpet Show before the game.
They also told some fun stories, enjoying the chance to appreciate the day without a potential pitching outing for Skenes to worry about.
Maybe the best story? The time Dunne stood in against Skenes.
19 days ago
In advance of the 96th MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night, the league’s best players walked the red carpet, including Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes and his girlfriend, former LSU gymnast and star influencer, Livvy Dunne.
Dunne and Skenes were donning matching outfits, with Skenes wearing a lavender suit with a black lapel and Dunne wearing a black and lavender dress.
Their matching fits were among the most impressive on the MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet on Tuesday night.
Believe it not, it was Dunne following Skenes’ lead and not the other way around.
“He told me what color he’s wearing, and then I just went accordingly,” Dunne said. “That’s literally it.”
Dunne and Skenes were donning matching outfits, with Skenes wearing a lavender suit with a black lapel and Dunne wearing a black and lavender dress.
Their matching fits were among the most impressive on the MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet on Tuesday night.
Believe it not, it was Dunne following Skenes’ lead and not the other way around.
“He told me what color he’s wearing, and then I just went accordingly,” Dunne said. “That’s literally it.”
19 days ago
For years, we've come to expect the MLB All-Star Game to feature players who have perennially been among the best in the sport. We become accustomed to seeing the same names fill out the rosters. Guys like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, Chris Sale, Jose Altuve, Mike Trout, and more. While some of those names are still here in Philadelphia, it feels like we're witnessing a little bit of a changing of the guard, particularly amongst the starting pitchers.
This year's All-Star rosters had 26 first-time players selected, and 14 of the starting pitchers will be making their first or second appearance in the Midsummer Classic. Six of those starting pitchers (plus Paul Skenes, who is making his third appearance) are 26 years old or younger, and all of them, apart from Skenes, have made fewer than 35 career MLB starts. For comparison's sake, Chris Sale, who is also participating in the All-Star Game, has made 329 career starts (even with his litany of injuries).
"I think the game's changing, the game's getting younger," acknowledged Reds' starting pitcher Chase Burns, who is making his first career All-Star appearance. "I know it probably sucks to say that for older guys, but, you know, it's because of them that the game's gotten better."
That deference to the veterans was common amongst the young hurlers who were present at the All-Star game: "It's a good mix of older, veteran guys that we can learn from, and then a lot of hungry guys that are trying to make it back here every year and stay healthy," said Yankees' starter Cam Schlittler, who is also making his first All-Star appearance.
The "hungry" young guys that Schlittler talked about have been making their presence known this season. Among qualified starting pitchers, five of the top 10 starters in WAR are current All-Stars who are 26 years old or younger. Seven of the top 12 qualified starting pitchers in terms of strikeout rate are 26 years old or younger, including the Guardians' Gavin Williams and the Mets' Nolan McLean, who were not selected as All-Stars.
This year's All-Star rosters had 26 first-time players selected, and 14 of the starting pitchers will be making their first or second appearance in the Midsummer Classic. Six of those starting pitchers (plus Paul Skenes, who is making his third appearance) are 26 years old or younger, and all of them, apart from Skenes, have made fewer than 35 career MLB starts. For comparison's sake, Chris Sale, who is also participating in the All-Star Game, has made 329 career starts (even with his litany of injuries).
"I think the game's changing, the game's getting younger," acknowledged Reds' starting pitcher Chase Burns, who is making his first career All-Star appearance. "I know it probably sucks to say that for older guys, but, you know, it's because of them that the game's gotten better."
That deference to the veterans was common amongst the young hurlers who were present at the All-Star game: "It's a good mix of older, veteran guys that we can learn from, and then a lot of hungry guys that are trying to make it back here every year and stay healthy," said Yankees' starter Cam Schlittler, who is also making his first All-Star appearance.
The "hungry" young guys that Schlittler talked about have been making their presence known this season. Among qualified starting pitchers, five of the top 10 starters in WAR are current All-Stars who are 26 years old or younger. Seven of the top 12 qualified starting pitchers in terms of strikeout rate are 26 years old or younger, including the Guardians' Gavin Williams and the Mets' Nolan McLean, who were not selected as All-Stars.
19 days ago
PHILADELPHIA — Paul Skenes, Juan Soto, and Bryce Harper are among baseball’s All-Stars who say players never will agree to a salary cap but maintain there’s plenty of time to avoid a conflict that could shorten the 2027 season.
“Both sides kind of have their line that they’re not going to cross,” Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace who also is a member of the union’s eight-man negotiating committee, said. “Whether that results in missing games or missing a season, we’ll see.”
Baseball’s five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1 and MLB is expected to immediately lock out players. The more consequential deadline is in late February or early March, when Major League Baseball would announce whether it was postponing opening day.
Owners proposed a salary cap for the first time since the union fought off MLB’s cap plan with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that caused the first cancellation of the World Series since 1904. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says a cap is needed to lessen payroll disparity.
Soto, who signed a record 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets as a free agent after the 2024 season, would be limited to a six-year, $265 million deal under MLB’s proposal.
“Both sides kind of have their line that they’re not going to cross,” Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace who also is a member of the union’s eight-man negotiating committee, said. “Whether that results in missing games or missing a season, we’ll see.”
Baseball’s five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1 and MLB is expected to immediately lock out players. The more consequential deadline is in late February or early March, when Major League Baseball would announce whether it was postponing opening day.
Owners proposed a salary cap for the first time since the union fought off MLB’s cap plan with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that caused the first cancellation of the World Series since 1904. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says a cap is needed to lessen payroll disparity.
Soto, who signed a record 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets as a free agent after the 2024 season, would be limited to a six-year, $265 million deal under MLB’s proposal.
19 days ago
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes had a media session at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, shortly before the 2026 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, and one day ahead of the MLB All-Star Game. Skenes was named to the National League All-Star team for the third time in his three big-league seasons, and he’s coming off a 2025 season that resulted in him winning the NL Cy Young Award.
Skenes was in the middle of answering a question when another reporter was heard saying, “Hey, Skenes. Hey. Hey, sorry. I just got the best interview of all time with Paul Skenes. Future Yankee.”
Understandably, Skenes didn’t know how to react to the comment, which also cut off his answer to someone else’s question.
Skenes forgot what he was trying to say before going silent for a few seconds.
“Wow, she’s super proud,” another reporter said.
Skenes was in the middle of answering a question when another reporter was heard saying, “Hey, Skenes. Hey. Hey, sorry. I just got the best interview of all time with Paul Skenes. Future Yankee.”
Understandably, Skenes didn’t know how to react to the comment, which also cut off his answer to someone else’s question.
Skenes forgot what he was trying to say before going silent for a few seconds.
“Wow, she’s super proud,” another reporter said.
20 days ago
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paul Skenes, Juan Soto and Bryce Harper are among baseball's All-Stars who say players will never agree to a salary cap but maintain there's plenty of time to avoid a conflict that could shorten the 2027 season.
"Both sides kind of have their line that they're not going to cross," Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace who is also a member of the union's eight-man negotiating committee, said Monday. "Whether that results in missing games or missing a season, we'll see."
Baseball's five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1 and MLB is expected to immediately lock out players. The more consequential deadline is in late February or early March, when Major League Baseball would announce whether it was postponing opening day.
Owners proposed a salary cap for the first time since the union fought off MLB's cap plan with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that caused the first cancellation of the World Series since 1904. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says a cap is needed to lessen payroll disparity.
Soto, who signed a record $765 million, 15-year-old contract with the New York Mets as a free agent after the 2024 season, would be limited to a $265 million, six-year deal under MLB's proposal.
"Both sides kind of have their line that they're not going to cross," Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace who is also a member of the union's eight-man negotiating committee, said Monday. "Whether that results in missing games or missing a season, we'll see."
Baseball's five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1 and MLB is expected to immediately lock out players. The more consequential deadline is in late February or early March, when Major League Baseball would announce whether it was postponing opening day.
Owners proposed a salary cap for the first time since the union fought off MLB's cap plan with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that caused the first cancellation of the World Series since 1904. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says a cap is needed to lessen payroll disparity.
Soto, who signed a record $765 million, 15-year-old contract with the New York Mets as a free agent after the 2024 season, would be limited to a $265 million, six-year deal under MLB's proposal.
20 days ago
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week's Pittsburgh Pirates question was who was the biggest All star game snub between Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds. Paul Skenes was originally the only Pirate to make the all star game then Braxton Ashcraft got named as a replacement to participate in the mid summer classic. Here is who you said is the biggest All star game snub.
64% of Pirates fans believe Brandon Lowe is the bigger All star game snub over Bryan Reynolds. Lowe leads the team in home runs with 21, he also leads all second basemen with homers as well. The 32 year old also has 64 RBIs which is tied for 10th in the league. Those stats show that Lowe is a big snub for the game and it also shows he has been on elf the best second basemen this season.
Thank you for voting and check out https://sportsbook.fanduel... for new updated betting odds on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This week's Pittsburgh Pirates question was who was the biggest All star game snub between Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds. Paul Skenes was originally the only Pirate to make the all star game then Braxton Ashcraft got named as a replacement to participate in the mid summer classic. Here is who you said is the biggest All star game snub.
64% of Pirates fans believe Brandon Lowe is the bigger All star game snub over Bryan Reynolds. Lowe leads the team in home runs with 21, he also leads all second basemen with homers as well. The 32 year old also has 64 RBIs which is tied for 10th in the league. Those stats show that Lowe is a big snub for the game and it also shows he has been on elf the best second basemen this season.
Thank you for voting and check out https://sportsbook.fanduel... for new updated betting odds on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
20 days ago
Derek Curiel became the latest former LSU baseball star to be picked in the top five in the MLB Draft. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him at No. 5 overall on Saturday during the 2026 MLB Draft. He joins Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews and Kade Anderson as Tigers to be drafted in the top five since 2023.
Scouts considered Curiel a consensus first rounder but most mock drafts had him going in the teens and high twenties. ESPN ranked him the No. 10 overall prospect and MLB out him at No. 12. The outfielder over performed all expectations and becomes the most recent Tiger turned Pirate, following Skenes.
MLB ****** igned a slot value of $8.34 million to the No. 5 overall pick but the total compensation package will likely exceed the estimate. The Pirates boast the sixth-highest bonus pool at $16.2 million, which means the contract and signing bonus will be lucrative.
Curiel teased a return to LSU during interviews following the 2026 season. The chance he donned the purple and gold again was slim but has almost certainly dissipated with the estimated amount of money sitting on the table from the Pirates.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU Baseball Draft News: Derek Curiel's expected signing bonus
Scouts considered Curiel a consensus first rounder but most mock drafts had him going in the teens and high twenties. ESPN ranked him the No. 10 overall prospect and MLB out him at No. 12. The outfielder over performed all expectations and becomes the most recent Tiger turned Pirate, following Skenes.
MLB ****** igned a slot value of $8.34 million to the No. 5 overall pick but the total compensation package will likely exceed the estimate. The Pirates boast the sixth-highest bonus pool at $16.2 million, which means the contract and signing bonus will be lucrative.
Curiel teased a return to LSU during interviews following the 2026 season. The chance he donned the purple and gold again was slim but has almost certainly dissipated with the estimated amount of money sitting on the table from the Pirates.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU Baseball Draft News: Derek Curiel's expected signing bonus
21 days ago
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Rafael Devers scored the tiebreaking run in a two-run eighth inning when catcher Hunter Goodman threw wildly into center field on a stolen-base attempt, and the San Francisco Giants overcame Jake McCarthy's second leadoff inside-the-park home run this season to beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 Sunday.
San Francisco gained a four-game split and entered the All-Star break fourth in the NL West at 41-55. The Giants have won 21 of their past 23 home games against Colorado and are 36-7 in San Francisco against the Rockies since 2021.
Colorado has lost four of five and is a National League-worst 39-59. The Rockies are 17-34 on the road.
McCarthy, who had an inside-the-park homer off Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes at Coors Field on June 20, drove Trevor McDonald's second pitch of the game on a bounce to the 415-foot sign in right-center field. The ball bounced away from right fielder Jung Hoo Lee and McCarthy slid home ahead of an off-line relay throw from second baseman Luis Arraez for his 10th home run this season.
Drew Gilbert's RBI single tied the score in the fourth.
San Francisco gained a four-game split and entered the All-Star break fourth in the NL West at 41-55. The Giants have won 21 of their past 23 home games against Colorado and are 36-7 in San Francisco against the Rockies since 2021.
Colorado has lost four of five and is a National League-worst 39-59. The Rockies are 17-34 on the road.
McCarthy, who had an inside-the-park homer off Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes at Coors Field on June 20, drove Trevor McDonald's second pitch of the game on a bounce to the 415-foot sign in right-center field. The ball bounced away from right fielder Jung Hoo Lee and McCarthy slid home ahead of an off-line relay throw from second baseman Luis Arraez for his 10th home run this season.
Drew Gilbert's RBI single tied the score in the fourth.
21 days ago
How to Watch Pirates vs. Brewers Today: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Sunday MLB Game originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A pair of All-Star pitchers will face off when the Pirates host the Brewers on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Skenes will take the mound for the Pirates after delivering a solid performance against the Braves on Tuesday. He allowed just two earned runs across six innings with four strikeouts in a 12-4 win and received a major boost from Ryan O'Hearn, who set a new franchise record with 10 RBIs.
Jacob Misiorowski, the league leader in strikeouts (167), will pitch for the Brewers. The 24-year-old flamethrower has a 10-4 record with a 1.62 ERA in 18 starts this season.
(UPDATE: Misiorowski has been scratched from his start because of arm fatigue.)
A pair of All-Star pitchers will face off when the Pirates host the Brewers on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Skenes will take the mound for the Pirates after delivering a solid performance against the Braves on Tuesday. He allowed just two earned runs across six innings with four strikeouts in a 12-4 win and received a major boost from Ryan O'Hearn, who set a new franchise record with 10 RBIs.
Jacob Misiorowski, the league leader in strikeouts (167), will pitch for the Brewers. The 24-year-old flamethrower has a 10-4 record with a 1.62 ERA in 18 starts this season.
(UPDATE: Misiorowski has been scratched from his start because of arm fatigue.)
21 days ago
The Milwaukee Brewers try to avoid a sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 12 in the final game before the All-Star break.
Follow along for live updates as Robert Gasser faces Paul Skenes in the starting pitching matchup, with Jacob Misiorowski having his start skipped due to forearm fatigue and innings management.
Milwaukee traded cash for Astros infielder Braden Shewmake prior to the game. Greg Jones was designated for ****** ignment in a corresponding move.
Brandon Woodruff was also shifted to the 60-day injured list and Coleman Crow optioned to Nashville.
Time: 11:10 a.m. CT.
Follow along for live updates as Robert Gasser faces Paul Skenes in the starting pitching matchup, with Jacob Misiorowski having his start skipped due to forearm fatigue and innings management.
Milwaukee traded cash for Astros infielder Braden Shewmake prior to the game. Greg Jones was designated for ****** ignment in a corresponding move.
Brandon Woodruff was also shifted to the 60-day injured list and Coleman Crow optioned to Nashville.
Time: 11:10 a.m. CT.
21 days ago
After being swept in yesterday's doubleheader in Pittsburgh, the Brewers will look to bounce back and finish off the first half of the season with their 60th victory today. Sitting at 59-36, the Brewers currently sit six games ahead of the Cubs atop the NL Central, and no matter what happens today, the first half of the season can only be considered a success.
Left-hander Robert Gasser will take the mound for Milwaukee, as Jacob Misiorowski was scratched yesterday due to what the team described as "fatigue." Gasser, 27, has made eight starts this year, with a 2-3 record, 4.15 ERA, 4.90 FIP, and 40 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings. He's coming off one of his best starts of the season in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, as he went 7 2/3 innings with two runs allowed on four hits and a walk, striking out four.
Right-hander Paul Skenes will oppose Gasser, and while he's still one of the best pitchers in baseball, he hasn't been quite as dominant here in his third season. Across 19 starts, Skenes is 7-8 with a 3.58 ERA, 2.97 FIP, and 123 strikeouts over 103 innings. He's had a rough go of it lately (at least by Skenes' standards), allowing at least two earned runs in his last six starts. The Pirates are also just 1-9 in his last 10 outings.
A few roster updates to close out the first half: the Brewers have acquired infielder Braden Shewmake from the Astros in exchange for cash. Shewmake, 28, was a first-round pick by the Braves in 2019 but hasn't exactly panned out in parts of three seasons in the majors. He's appeared in 30 games with Houston this year, hitting .256/.272/.423 with three homers, four doubles, nine RBIs, and 10 runs scored across 83 plate appearances. He was designated for ***** ignment on Friday.
To clear a spot on the roster, the Brewers designated utility man Greg Jones for ***** ignment. Jones, also a former first-round pick, has just two hits in 23 at-bats with the Brewers this year, as he's struck out 10 times. He was an emergency call-up to fill in on the infield after David Hamilton's injury last week, but with the acquisition of Shewmake, he now finds himself DFA'd for the second time this season.
Left-hander Robert Gasser will take the mound for Milwaukee, as Jacob Misiorowski was scratched yesterday due to what the team described as "fatigue." Gasser, 27, has made eight starts this year, with a 2-3 record, 4.15 ERA, 4.90 FIP, and 40 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings. He's coming off one of his best starts of the season in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, as he went 7 2/3 innings with two runs allowed on four hits and a walk, striking out four.
Right-hander Paul Skenes will oppose Gasser, and while he's still one of the best pitchers in baseball, he hasn't been quite as dominant here in his third season. Across 19 starts, Skenes is 7-8 with a 3.58 ERA, 2.97 FIP, and 123 strikeouts over 103 innings. He's had a rough go of it lately (at least by Skenes' standards), allowing at least two earned runs in his last six starts. The Pirates are also just 1-9 in his last 10 outings.
A few roster updates to close out the first half: the Brewers have acquired infielder Braden Shewmake from the Astros in exchange for cash. Shewmake, 28, was a first-round pick by the Braves in 2019 but hasn't exactly panned out in parts of three seasons in the majors. He's appeared in 30 games with Houston this year, hitting .256/.272/.423 with three homers, four doubles, nine RBIs, and 10 runs scored across 83 plate appearances. He was designated for ***** ignment on Friday.
To clear a spot on the roster, the Brewers designated utility man Greg Jones for ***** ignment. Jones, also a former first-round pick, has just two hits in 23 at-bats with the Brewers this year, as he's struck out 10 times. He was an emergency call-up to fill in on the infield after David Hamilton's injury last week, but with the acquisition of Shewmake, he now finds himself DFA'd for the second time this season.
22 days ago
PITTSBURGH – Miz vs. Skenes Round II will have to wait.
The Milwaukee Brewers are skipping Jacob Misiorowski’s turn through the rotation in the final day before the All-Star break, opting to give their ace as much rest as possible while he deals with what the team is saying is a small bout of fatigue.
Robert Gasser will start in Misiorowski’s place against Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes in a series finale July 12 at PNC Park that suddenly doesn’t have the same **** er as initially anticipated.
Misiorowski’s status for the All-Star Game July 14 remains unchanged: He will attend the festivities next week in Philadelphia but won’t pitch.
“A little forearm stuff,” Misiorowski said. “Nothing crazy. Just didn’t bounce back. A little quick on the days off between but nothing crazy. We also have this long break.”
The Milwaukee Brewers are skipping Jacob Misiorowski’s turn through the rotation in the final day before the All-Star break, opting to give their ace as much rest as possible while he deals with what the team is saying is a small bout of fatigue.
Robert Gasser will start in Misiorowski’s place against Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes in a series finale July 12 at PNC Park that suddenly doesn’t have the same **** er as initially anticipated.
Misiorowski’s status for the All-Star Game July 14 remains unchanged: He will attend the festivities next week in Philadelphia but won’t pitch.
“A little forearm stuff,” Misiorowski said. “Nothing crazy. Just didn’t bounce back. A little quick on the days off between but nothing crazy. We also have this long break.”
22 days ago
Pirates MLB Draft Picks 2026: Full List of Selections From Rounds 1-4 originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This weekend, the Pirates will welcome a talented group of players to their prospect pool during the 2026 MLB Draft.
Pittsburgh enters the event aiming to replicate a stellar multi-year run of amateur scouting, headlined by Paul Skenes (2023), Konnor Griffin (2024) and Seth Hernandez (2025).
Armed with multiple selections on Day 1, including the No. 5 overall pick, Pittsburgh's scouting department can add to an elite farm system.
Follow along right here for the complete list of Pirates selections from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft.
This weekend, the Pirates will welcome a talented group of players to their prospect pool during the 2026 MLB Draft.
Pittsburgh enters the event aiming to replicate a stellar multi-year run of amateur scouting, headlined by Paul Skenes (2023), Konnor Griffin (2024) and Seth Hernandez (2025).
Armed with multiple selections on Day 1, including the No. 5 overall pick, Pittsburgh's scouting department can add to an elite farm system.
Follow along right here for the complete list of Pirates selections from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft.
22 days ago
Pirates MLB Draft Picks 2026: Full List of Selections From Rounds 1-4 originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This weekend, the Pirates will welcome a talented group of players to their prospect pool during the 2026 MLB Draft.
Pittsburgh enters the event aiming to replicate a stellar multi-year run of amateur scouting, headlined by Paul Skenes (2023), Konnor Griffin (2024) and Seth Hernandez (2025).
Armed with multiple selections on Day 1, including the No. 5 overall pick, Pittsburgh's scouting department can add to an elite farm system.
Follow along right here for the complete list of Pirates selections from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft.
This weekend, the Pirates will welcome a talented group of players to their prospect pool during the 2026 MLB Draft.
Pittsburgh enters the event aiming to replicate a stellar multi-year run of amateur scouting, headlined by Paul Skenes (2023), Konnor Griffin (2024) and Seth Hernandez (2025).
Armed with multiple selections on Day 1, including the No. 5 overall pick, Pittsburgh's scouting department can add to an elite farm system.
Follow along right here for the complete list of Pirates selections from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft.
25 days ago
Concerning Paul Skenes Trend Continues, But Stats Look Better As Pirates Rout Braves originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paul Skenes' velocity continues to trend in a less-than-perfect direction.
But on Tuesday night in the Pittsburgh Pirates' win over the Atlanta Braves, Skenes' stats looked much more like his usual self.
Skenes went six innings and allowed just two runs. Mostly, he looked like Paul Skenes:
MORE: Ryan O'Hearn makes Pirates history with epic slugging night
Paul Skenes' velocity continues to trend in a less-than-perfect direction.
But on Tuesday night in the Pittsburgh Pirates' win over the Atlanta Braves, Skenes' stats looked much more like his usual self.
Skenes went six innings and allowed just two runs. Mostly, he looked like Paul Skenes:
MORE: Ryan O'Hearn makes Pirates history with epic slugging night
25 days ago
This article originally appeared on PGHBaseballNOW.com.
This night belonged to Ryan O’Hearn.
The Pirates first baseman slugged three home runs and drove in a franchise-record 10 runs to lift Pittsburgh to a 12-4 win over the Braves at PNC Park on Tuesday night.
Top 1st, 1-0 ATL: The Braves (52-38) put together a two-out rally against Paul Skenes (7-8), which was capped off by Mauricio Dubón’s RBI single to right field.
Bottom 1st, 4-1 PIT: The Pirates (47-45) loaded the bases with no outs against Hurston Waldrep (0-1). After Esmerlyn Valdez struck out, Ryan O’Hearn lined a grand slam over the fence in right field, the third slam of his career and his 14th home run this season.
This night belonged to Ryan O’Hearn.
The Pirates first baseman slugged three home runs and drove in a franchise-record 10 runs to lift Pittsburgh to a 12-4 win over the Braves at PNC Park on Tuesday night.
Top 1st, 1-0 ATL: The Braves (52-38) put together a two-out rally against Paul Skenes (7-8), which was capped off by Mauricio Dubón’s RBI single to right field.
Bottom 1st, 4-1 PIT: The Pirates (47-45) loaded the bases with no outs against Hurston Waldrep (0-1). After Esmerlyn Valdez struck out, Ryan O’Hearn lined a grand slam over the fence in right field, the third slam of his career and his 14th home run this season.
25 days ago
The Atlanta Braves traveled to PNC Park in hopes of picking up a much needed win after two heartbreaking losses in a row. Hurston Waldrep made his second start of season for the Braves and Paul Skenes was on the mound hoping to rebound from the worst stretch of his young career.
The Braves got on the board first when Matt Olson hit a double and Mauricio Dubón hit a sharp single to center field to make the score 1-0, but that was the only offense for the Braves outside of a Baldwin walk. Things went south shortly after that. Waldrep hit the first batter he faced, then Lowe, who hit a HR against Waldrep last time they faced off, hit a single. Waldrep then walked Reynolds to load the bases with zero outs. After Valdez struck out, Ryan O’Hearn then wasted no time and blew the game wide open with a grand slam to put the Pirates up by three. Gonzales also singled which prompted a mound visit. Waldrep finally was able to get the final two outs of the first inning after that.
In the second inning, the offense went just as you might expect with the bottom of the order. Riley and Jarvis both struck out, and Yastrzemski flied out. Waldrep looked to have settled down in the bottom of the second. He was able to induce a pop up followed by two groundouts.
The Braves struck again in the third inning to put them within two runs when Harris hit a double followed by an Albies single that scored Harris. That would be the only offense in the third though as Skenes retired the next three hitters. The third inning for Waldrep was almost identical to the first. He walked Reynolds, then gave up a single to Valdez, and then O’Hearn took him deep yet again to make the score 2-7 for the Pirates. O’Hearn had seven RBI in three innings. Waldrep then got two groundouts but then struggled a bit again when he Triolo singled followed by a Davis walk. After yet another mound visit Waldrep got the final out of the third with another groundout.
The fourth inning saw the bottom of the Braves order again. Smith popped out, but Riley was able to get a single, but that momentum was squashed when Yastrzemski hit into a double play to end the top of the inning. Waldrep stayed in the game for the fourth inning. He was able to strike out Lowe but then walked the next two hitters he faced which finally got him pulled for newly promoted Connor Thomas. Waldrep ended his night with seven earned runs on six hits to include two HRs, five walks, and two strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched. Thomas then forced two groundouts to end the inning.
The Braves got on the board first when Matt Olson hit a double and Mauricio Dubón hit a sharp single to center field to make the score 1-0, but that was the only offense for the Braves outside of a Baldwin walk. Things went south shortly after that. Waldrep hit the first batter he faced, then Lowe, who hit a HR against Waldrep last time they faced off, hit a single. Waldrep then walked Reynolds to load the bases with zero outs. After Valdez struck out, Ryan O’Hearn then wasted no time and blew the game wide open with a grand slam to put the Pirates up by three. Gonzales also singled which prompted a mound visit. Waldrep finally was able to get the final two outs of the first inning after that.
In the second inning, the offense went just as you might expect with the bottom of the order. Riley and Jarvis both struck out, and Yastrzemski flied out. Waldrep looked to have settled down in the bottom of the second. He was able to induce a pop up followed by two groundouts.
The Braves struck again in the third inning to put them within two runs when Harris hit a double followed by an Albies single that scored Harris. That would be the only offense in the third though as Skenes retired the next three hitters. The third inning for Waldrep was almost identical to the first. He walked Reynolds, then gave up a single to Valdez, and then O’Hearn took him deep yet again to make the score 2-7 for the Pirates. O’Hearn had seven RBI in three innings. Waldrep then got two groundouts but then struggled a bit again when he Triolo singled followed by a Davis walk. After yet another mound visit Waldrep got the final out of the third with another groundout.
The fourth inning saw the bottom of the Braves order again. Smith popped out, but Riley was able to get a single, but that momentum was squashed when Yastrzemski hit into a double play to end the top of the inning. Waldrep stayed in the game for the fourth inning. He was able to strike out Lowe but then walked the next two hitters he faced which finally got him pulled for newly promoted Connor Thomas. Waldrep ended his night with seven earned runs on six hits to include two HRs, five walks, and two strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched. Thomas then forced two groundouts to end the inning.
25 days ago
This article originally appeared on PGHBaseballNOW.com.
Pirates right-handed starter Braxton Ashcraft has been named to the National League All-Star team as one of three replacements announced by Major League Baseball.
Ashcraft, along with Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo and Cardinals right-hander Riley O’Brien, will take the places of Pirates reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski and Marlins righty Max Meyer.
Ashcraft is in his first full season in the big leagues after making his debut with the Pirates last season. In 18 starts this year, the 26-year-old is 9-3 with a 3.24 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 108.1 innings. Ashcraft ranks 11th in the National League in ERA, fourth in innings and strikeouts and eighth with a 1.10 WHIP.
Click here to read more from PGHBaseballNOW.com.
Pirates right-handed starter Braxton Ashcraft has been named to the National League All-Star team as one of three replacements announced by Major League Baseball.
Ashcraft, along with Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo and Cardinals right-hander Riley O’Brien, will take the places of Pirates reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski and Marlins righty Max Meyer.
Ashcraft is in his first full season in the big leagues after making his debut with the Pirates last season. In 18 starts this year, the 26-year-old is 9-3 with a 3.24 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 108.1 innings. Ashcraft ranks 11th in the National League in ERA, fourth in innings and strikeouts and eighth with a 1.10 WHIP.
Click here to read more from PGHBaseballNOW.com.
25 days ago
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ryan O'Hearn hit three home runs and finished with a franchise-record 10 RBIs as the Pittsburgh Pirates drilled the Atlanta Braves 12-4 on Tuesday night.
The first baseman, the rare free agent to sign a multiyear deal with the Pirates, made it easy for ace Paul Skenes (7-8) to pick up his first win in nearly two months as Pittsburgh won its third straight.
The left-handed slugger hit his third career grand slam off Atlanta's Hurston Waldrep (0-1) in the first, took Waldrep deep again for a three-run shot in the third and broke Johnny Rizzo's 87-year-old franchise record for RBIs in a game by adding another three-run blast against reliever Connor Thomas in the sixth.
O'Hearn's bid to become the 22nd player in major league history to hit four homers in a game ended when he singled off Atlanta infielder Jorge Mateo — making his third career appearance in relief — in the ninth. O'Hearn instead settled for being the 11th player since the RBI became an official statistic in 1920 to hit three homers and drive in 10 runs in a game. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was the last player to do it in 2024 against Miami.
O'Hearn's historic night gave the Pirates a welcome boost on the same day the club lost star rookie Konnor Griffin for at least two months with a left-hand injury.
The first baseman, the rare free agent to sign a multiyear deal with the Pirates, made it easy for ace Paul Skenes (7-8) to pick up his first win in nearly two months as Pittsburgh won its third straight.
The left-handed slugger hit his third career grand slam off Atlanta's Hurston Waldrep (0-1) in the first, took Waldrep deep again for a three-run shot in the third and broke Johnny Rizzo's 87-year-old franchise record for RBIs in a game by adding another three-run blast against reliever Connor Thomas in the sixth.
O'Hearn's bid to become the 22nd player in major league history to hit four homers in a game ended when he singled off Atlanta infielder Jorge Mateo — making his third career appearance in relief — in the ninth. O'Hearn instead settled for being the 11th player since the RBI became an official statistic in 1920 to hit three homers and drive in 10 runs in a game. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was the last player to do it in 2024 against Miami.
O'Hearn's historic night gave the Pirates a welcome boost on the same day the club lost star rookie Konnor Griffin for at least two months with a left-hand injury.
26 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Pitchers Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski and Max Meyer have been ruled out of next week's All-Star Game and were replaced Tuesday by Riley O'Brien of St. Louis, Philadelphia's Jesus Luzardo and Pittsburgh's Braxton Ashcraft.
Also, Boston first baseman Willson Contreras was selected as a replacement for Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is opting to rest his ailing back during the break.
When the Pirates' Skenes, Milwaukee's Misiorowski and Miami’s Meyer were selected for the National League All-Star team on Saturday, they already were scheduled to start their teams' final games before the break on Sunday. That left all three hurlers likely unavailable to pitch in the All-Star Game on July 14.
O’Brien has 22 saves in 26 opportunities this season, striking out 35 in 36 1/3 innings with a 3.72 ERA.
Luzardo is 7-4 with a 3.75 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings. Ashcraft, in his second major league season, is 9-3 with a 3.24 ERA through 18 starts with 122 strikeouts in 108 1/3 innings.
Also, Boston first baseman Willson Contreras was selected as a replacement for Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is opting to rest his ailing back during the break.
When the Pirates' Skenes, Milwaukee's Misiorowski and Miami’s Meyer were selected for the National League All-Star team on Saturday, they already were scheduled to start their teams' final games before the break on Sunday. That left all three hurlers likely unavailable to pitch in the All-Star Game on July 14.
O’Brien has 22 saves in 26 opportunities this season, striking out 35 in 36 1/3 innings with a 3.72 ERA.
Luzardo is 7-4 with a 3.75 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings. Ashcraft, in his second major league season, is 9-3 with a 3.24 ERA through 18 starts with 122 strikeouts in 108 1/3 innings.
27 days ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers had five players selected to the All-Star Game, but Justin Wrobleski was not one of them.
Wrobleski posted a 2.80 ERA in 15 outings and has helped the Dodgers cover plenty of innings as they dealt with plenty of rotation injuries. He has made 14 starts, with only his first appearance being out of the bullpen. His ERA is the eighth best in the National League.
He is having a career year after entering the season with a 4.81 ERA. He had only ever made eight starts for the Dodgers before this year, but he has quickly proven he can help them win games. He does not have the strikeout numbers of other elite starters, but he has shown great command. He has just 64 strikeouts, but he has just 18 walks issued on the season.
His 1.7 walks per nine innings is the best mark in the National League. However, the crop of National League starting pitchers this year is one of the best in a long time. Wrobleski was not the only deserving starter left off the list. Of the starting pitchers in the National League to make the All-Star Game, only Paul Skenes and Logan Webb had a worse ERA than Wrobleski.
Both Skenes and Webb are deserving of All-Star nods, but Wrobleski had a case to get in over either of them, and he still could. It's common for pitchers to drop out of the All-Star Game if they are not on schedule to throw. Jacob Misiorowski is not lined up to pitch in the Midsummer Classic, and perhaps Wrobleski could get his spot.
Wrobleski posted a 2.80 ERA in 15 outings and has helped the Dodgers cover plenty of innings as they dealt with plenty of rotation injuries. He has made 14 starts, with only his first appearance being out of the bullpen. His ERA is the eighth best in the National League.
He is having a career year after entering the season with a 4.81 ERA. He had only ever made eight starts for the Dodgers before this year, but he has quickly proven he can help them win games. He does not have the strikeout numbers of other elite starters, but he has shown great command. He has just 64 strikeouts, but he has just 18 walks issued on the season.
His 1.7 walks per nine innings is the best mark in the National League. However, the crop of National League starting pitchers this year is one of the best in a long time. Wrobleski was not the only deserving starter left off the list. Of the starting pitchers in the National League to make the All-Star Game, only Paul Skenes and Logan Webb had a worse ERA than Wrobleski.
Both Skenes and Webb are deserving of All-Star nods, but Wrobleski had a case to get in over either of them, and he still could. It's common for pitchers to drop out of the All-Star Game if they are not on schedule to throw. Jacob Misiorowski is not lined up to pitch in the Midsummer Classic, and perhaps Wrobleski could get his spot.
29 days ago
Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes has been named to the National League All-Star team for this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
The game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Skenes, 24, leads the National League in ERA with 2.35 and strikeouts with 505 since making his Major League debut on May 11, 2024, against Chicago (NL). In that same period, he also ranks second in batting average against with .201 and WHIP with 0.96.
Skenes joins Rip Sewell (1943-44, 1946) and Elroy Face (1959-61) as the only Pirates pitchers to be selected to the All-Star Game in three consecutive seasons. There was no All-Star Game in 1945.
He also became the first pitcher and one of five players to start in the All-Star Game in each of his first two Major League seasons (2024-25), a group that includes Joe DiMaggio (seven straight, 1936-42), Ichiro Suzuki (four straight, 2001-04), Rod Carew (three straight, 1967-69) and Frank Robinson (two straight, 1956-57).
The game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Skenes, 24, leads the National League in ERA with 2.35 and strikeouts with 505 since making his Major League debut on May 11, 2024, against Chicago (NL). In that same period, he also ranks second in batting average against with .201 and WHIP with 0.96.
Skenes joins Rip Sewell (1943-44, 1946) and Elroy Face (1959-61) as the only Pirates pitchers to be selected to the All-Star Game in three consecutive seasons. There was no All-Star Game in 1945.
He also became the first pitcher and one of five players to start in the All-Star Game in each of his first two Major League seasons (2024-25), a group that includes Joe DiMaggio (seven straight, 1936-42), Ichiro Suzuki (four straight, 2001-04), Rod Carew (three straight, 1967-69) and Frank Robinson (two straight, 1956-57).
