PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes, the right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, will take the mound on August 7 for his 24th start of the 2025 season, facing the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. This start marks Skenes’s first against Cincinnati this year, highlighting his growing role as a key figure in the Pirates’ rotation.
Skenes’s Performance History and Recent Form
Skenes did not pitch during the Pirates’ earlier series against the Reds, held April 11-13 at Great American Ball Park and May 19-21 at PNC Park. However, his previous outings against Cincinnati during his rookie National League Rookie of the Year campaign were especially impressive. Over three games, he surrendered just one earned run across 17 innings, resulting in a 0.53 ERA. His strikeout production was notable as well, with 25 total strikeouts and a 13.2 K/9 ratio, including nine strikeouts in each of his last two starts versus the Reds.
On August 2, Skenes pitched five scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, but despite his effort, the Pirates lost 8-5 after he allowed four earned runs, including a critical three-run homer, and took a no-decision.
His outstanding performance throughout July earned Skenes the National League Pitcher of the Month award, a distinction not awarded to a Pirates pitcher since Ivan Nova’s recognition in April 2017.
2025 Season Performance and League Rankings
Paul Skenes has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the league this season. His ERA stands at an impressive 2.02, which is the lowest among his peers. Additionally, his opponents have struggled at the plate, hitting just .187 against him. Skenes ranks third in WHIP (0.92), eighth in strikeouts (154), and is 12th in total innings pitched (138.0), underscoring his durability and consistency.
Other Pirates Starters and Rotation Updates for the Reds Series
The Pirates will have right-hander Mitch Keller start on August 8, the second game of the series, pitching against Reds right-handed pitcher Chase Burns. Keller’s recent outings include giving up five earned runs over five innings on August 3 versus the Rockies, despite limiting early runs. Earlier in the season, Keller faced the Reds on May 19 and pitched 6.0 innings with five strikeouts but took a 7-1 loss after allowing two runs. To date in 2025, Keller holds a 5-10 record with a 3.89 ERA in 23 starts, registering 104 strikeouts and maintaining a 1.22 WHIP.
For the third game on August 9, the Pirates have not yet announced a starting pitcher. Meanwhile, the Reds will send right-handed starter Nick Martinez to the mound. Johan Oviedo, who started August 4, struggled with a long first inning of 43 pitches before being removed from the game. Following that, the Pirates optioned him to Triple-A, leaving them with four main starting pitchers.
Manager Don Kelly indicated the team would likely lean on a bullpen-heavy strategy for this game.
“We’re not sure yet exactly how that’s going to play out for Saturday,”
Kelly said.
“We’re still discussing that and talking about probably a bulk type thing. We’re looking at a lot of different people to fill that.”
—Don Kelly, Pirates Manager
Rookie Mike Burrows to Start in Series Finale Against Reds
The Pirates will close the Reds series on August 10 with rookie right-hander Mike Burrows making the start against Cincinnati’s Zack Littell. Burrows will make his first career start against the Reds; before this, the St. Louis Cardinals were the only National League Central Division team he had not faced.
Burrows struggled in his last outing on August 5, surrendering three home runs and six earned runs in a loss to the San Francisco Giants. For the season, he has a 1-4 record over 14 appearances, including 13 starts. He has pitched 62.2 innings, amassed 63 strikeouts, issued 24 walks, and carries a 4.45 ERA with a .239 opposing batting average and a 1.29 WHIP.
Significance of Skenes’s Role and Upcoming Challenges
Paul Skenes’s August 7 start against the Reds will be vital as he looks to continue his dominant form and solidify his status as the Pirates’ ace. Having earned the National League Pitcher of the Month award recently, his ability to maintain low run support and high strikeout levels will be essential for Pittsburgh’s efforts to improve their standing. The pitching rotation faces some uncertainty with Johan Oviedo’s demotion and the bullpen-centric approach for the middle game, making Skenes’s performance even more crucial in anchoring the staff. As the Pirates navigate a challenging stretch, Skenes’s starts could define their trajectory during these pivotal matchups with divisional rivals like Cincinnati.