Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly clarified the reason behind ace pitcher Paul Skenes’ unusually brief outing during Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, where Skenes threw just 78 pitches over four innings. Fans noticed the early exit and speculated about a possible injury after Skenes allowed four earned runs in the second inning, an uncharacteristic performance for the young starter.
Kelly explained that Skenes was on a strict pitch count as part of ongoing workload management efforts, saying,
“We’re always watching, not just Paul, but all the guys,”
and emphasizing the importance of managing the pitcher’s workload carefully.
“But especially Paul, he’s up over 100 (innings pitched) now. Just really want to be mindful of where he’s at. There’s going to be days where he can run for a long time, and there’s other times that we’ve got to just take care of him, too, as far as him being our workhorse and understanding where he’s at.”
—Don Kelly, Pirates Manager
Managing Skenes’ Innings Amid a Busy 2025 Season
Wednesday’s outing marked Skenes’ 17th start of the 2025 season, during which he has already logged 106 innings. This follows a demanding rookie year in 2024, when he pitched 133 innings over 23 starts after his Major League debut on May 11. Prior to joining MLB that year, he also threw 27 1/3 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis.
Last season, the Pirates closely monitored Skenes’ workload, but this year, they have allowed him more freedom on the mound. Since May 18, Skenes has recorded two eight-inning performances, one nearly full outing at 7 2/3 innings, and three other starts extending at least six innings. Despite this, there remains a cautious approach to prevent overexertion.
Reflecting on the recent shorter start, Skenes commented,
“Obviously, (Wednesday) was a little lower volume. I think we’re probably going to mix those in occasionally throughout the year. But you look at the stretch we just went on, where a lot of (starts) were on five days’ (rest), going seven-eight innings pretty consistently — I’ve been happy with it.”
—Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher
Prioritizing Long-Term Health Over Short-Term Performance
The Pirates are committed to preserving Skenes’ health and durability as he continues to handle a heavy workload. Even though fans prefer to see the pitcher take deep outings regularly, introducing occasional shorter outings is a strategic decision aimed at ensuring his effectiveness and availability over multiple seasons.
This approach is designed to protect Skenes, the team’s cornerstone starter, from fatigue and potential injury, enhancing his ability to sustain his role as a key contributor. The balance between maximizing his pitching impact and safeguarding his arm strength underscores the Pirates’ long-term planning for their rising star.