Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes said the World Baseball Classic was "the root" of his velocity drop in 2026. He is 10-11 this season.

Skenes pointed to his pitching for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as the reason for added fatigue – and a decline in performance – pitching for the Pirates this season. The WBC took place from March 5-17 ahead of the MLB season beginning March 26.

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes said the World Baseball Classic disrupted his spring ramp-up, contributing to a velocity dip and a nearly doubled ERA this season.

Wietgrefe may be the most major league ready of the three, as the lefty has a 3.08 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A. He probably could have helped the Pirates in September, although given the looming lockout and scant playoff odds, it was the right decision to delay adding him to the 40-man.

The Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff was dominant in one key area in 2026.

PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings for his first win since July 19 and Henry Davis hit a home run to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Los Angeles Angels 1-0 on Sunday. Skenes (10-11) gave up four hits, struck out two and walked one.