MLB Fans Slam Pirates After Paul Skenes’ Start Is Pushed Back vs Red Sox

Paul Skenes will not take the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Sunday’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox after the team decided to push back his next start.

Skenes was originally scheduled to start the series decider against Boston. Instead, the reigning NL Cy Young winner is now expected to pitch against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, giving him several additional days of recovery.

The decision quickly sparked debate among MLB fans, particularly after Skenes was pulled after just 65 pitches during his previous outing against the Miami Marlins. His recent struggles with command and a dip in velocity have also fueled speculation about his physical condition.

MLB Fans Question Pirates’ Decision on Paul Skenes

Several fans reacted strongly to the Pirates’ decision to move Skenes’ start. Some suggested that Pittsburgh was avoiding a difficult matchup against Boston, while others questioned whether the organization was being completely transparent about the pitcher’s condition.

One fan bluntly wrote, “Scared of the Red Sox.”

Another questioned the Pirates’ long-term handling of their young ace, while others speculated about a possible arm issue despite the team providing no indication that Skenes is injured.

Some social media reactions included claims that the Pirates were hiding an injury, while another fan joked that the Los Angeles Dodgers could eventually acquire Skenes and therefore would benefit from the reduced workload.

Pirates Manager Explains Why Paul Skenes’ Start Was Delayed

Pirates manager Don Kelly dismissed concerns that Skenes was dealing with an injury and explained that the decision was primarily about giving the pitcher additional recovery time.

Kelly said Skenes was ready to pitch but believed the extra days would benefit him while also allowing other pitchers to receive additional rest.

“Giving Paul more rest, he was ready to go, but feel it will give him a few more days to recover,” Kelly explained.

The comments indicate that the Pirates’ decision was precautionary rather than a response to a confirmed injury. Skenes is still expected to make his next scheduled start against Detroit.

Paul Skenes Wanted to Face the Red Sox

Interestingly, Skenes himself was prepared to pitch in Sunday’s series finale. The young ace said he had expected to make the start before ultimately accepting the team’s decision.

“I was fully anticipating starting (Sunday),” Skenes said. He added that the final decision belonged to Kelly but that he would support his manager’s choice.

Skenes also admitted that he would have preferred to pitch, but acknowledged the importance of recovery over the long term.

“I wish it weren’t the case and I were starting tomorrow. That’s something I pride myself on, but in the long run it’s definitely best to get some recovery time,” he said.

Recent Workload Has Raised Questions Around Skenes

The Pirates’ decision comes at a time when Skenes has experienced a challenging stretch. He has pitched beyond five innings only once in his last five starts and has gone beyond the sixth inning just once across his last 10 games.

His early exit against Miami was particularly notable because he threw only 65 pitches. Combined with concerns about his velocity and recent control issues, the outing prompted questions about whether Pittsburgh should reduce his workload.

However, there has been no confirmation from the Pirates or Skenes that he is dealing with an injury.

Paul Skenes Still Expected to Start Against Tigers

Despite the online speculation, the Pirates remain on track to have Skenes start against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

The additional recovery time could help the 24-year-old right-hander reset after a demanding stretch of the season. For Pittsburgh, protecting its franchise pitcher while maintaining his availability for the remainder of the campaign will be an important priority.

While fans may have hoped to see Skenes face Boston, the Pirates appear focused on the bigger picture. Unless new information emerges regarding his health, the extra rest should be viewed as a workload-management decision rather than evidence of a confirmed injury.