Is Paul Skenes Finally in His First MLB Slump?

Paul Skenes has been the most reliable arm the Pittsburgh Pirates have had, but this latest stretch has looked different. After allowing 15 runs, 13 earned, over his last four starts, Skenes once again failed to get through five innings against the Houston Astros despite throwing a career-high 109 pitches. Alex Stumpf breaks down why this does not feel like panic time, but why it is fair to say Skenes looks slightly off for the first real time in his MLB career. From the missing splinker to the changeup location, sweeper command, deeper counts, defensive issues behind him, and what it could mean with a Dodgers start potentially looming, this episode of OffBeat takes a closer look at what is actually happening with the Pirates ace. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, postgame reactions, prospect talk, and analysis all season long. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com @eddiep_photos TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.