Pirates RHP Paul Skenes departs after shortest start of career

Field Level Media|published: Thu 26th March, 15:53 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) is shown as he walks back to the dugout after being pulled in the first inning, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes had the shortest start of his young career when he did not make it out of the first inning of Thursday's season-opening game at the New York Mets.

Skenes recorded just two outs before he was removed by Pirates manager Don Kelly. Poor defense led to Skenes being charged with five runs, all earned, which tied the most he has allowed in a start since making his debut in 2024.

Last season's National League Cy Young Award winer went 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA for the Pirates in 2025.

His outing Thursday started with a walk to Francisco Lindor, a single from Juan Soto to put runners on the corners and a sacrifice fly from Bo Bichette.

An easy comebacker for an infield single and another walk loaded the bases before Brett Baty delivered a three-run triple to center field on a ball that was misjudged by outfielder Oneil Cruz. A Marcus Semien double gave New York an early 5-2 lead.

Skenes' day ended when he hit No. 9 hitter Francisco Alvarez with a pitch.

It was far from a normal spring for Skenes, who had two outings this month with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. Skenes was 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 8 1/3 innings for Team USA, which lost to Venezuela 3-2 in the championship game.

--Field Level Media

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