Paul Skenes start pushed back after velocity concerns — and showing off dad bod on Miami beach trip with Livvy Dunne

Nypost · Aug 16, 2026 · 373 words · By Bridget Reilly

Player Performance Decline Managerial Decision Making

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What to know about Player Performance Decline

The Pirates have decided to move Skenes’ next start back three days, favoring extra rest for their ace amid his worst stretch of his young career.

Claims checked 15

Techniques found 2

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left0%

Center67%

Right33%

3 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

The Pirates have decided to move Skenes’ next start back three days, favoring extra rest for their ace amid his worst stretch of his young career.

Why it matters

The three-time All-Star, who was spotted enjoying a beach day in Miami with girlfriend Livvy Dunne earlier in the week, was initially slated to start Sunday against the Red Sox.

Common ground

Instead, he will take the mound on Wednesday against the Tigers, manager Don Kelly announced Saturday, while adding the decision has nothing to do with an injury.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Thought-Terminating Cliché: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Player Performance Decline story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that With a 3.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and each of his starts in August only lasting five innings?
How does this story connect Player Performance Decline with Managerial Decision Making over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/08/16/sports/paul-skenes-pirates-start-pushed-back-after…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 2 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 90% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Thought-Terminating Cliché 80% confidence

Using a trite phrase to end debate ('it is what it is', 'agree to disagree').

Why it matters: Recognizing thought-terminating cliché helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 15 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

check_circle Corroborated 7

schedule Pending 5

help Insufficient Evidence 2

cancel Disputed 1

schedule

Claim 1: “With a 3.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and each of his starts in August only lasting five innings”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 2: “Skenes told reporters following Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Boston, per MLB.com.”

CORROBORATED

Web search results confirm the Pirates lost to the Red Sox 4-0 on Saturday at PNC Park.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 1903 World Series was the first modern World Series to be played in Major League Baseball. It matched the American League (AL) champion Boston Americans (now the Boston Red Sox) against the Nation…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1903_World_Series

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Jhostynxon Alirio García ( joh-STIN-sohn, born December 11, 2002) nicknamed "The Password", is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhostynxon_García

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Michael Anthony Easler (born November 29, 1950), nicknamed "the Hit Man", is an American former professional baseball outfielder, designated hitter, and coach, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Easler

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 3: “this year... the Cy Young award winner’s”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 4: “Additionally, his fastball clocked in at an average 98.2 mph last year. This season, it has dropped to 96.9 mph.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 5: “The outing marked his third of 65 or fewer pitches this season after only doing so twice across his first two big league seasons.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

cancel

Claim 6: “The three-time All-Star... was initially slated to start Sunday against the Red Sox.”

DISPUTED

While web sources confirm he was slated to start Sunday against the Red Sox, the claim that he is a 'three-time All-Star' is not supported by the evidence. Wikipedia shows he was an All-Star in 2024 and 2025, but there is no evidence of a third selection.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 94th All-Star Game of Major League Baseball (MLB). The game was played between the American League (AL) and the National League (NL) on July 16, 20…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Major_League_Baseball_All…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game played between the American League (AL) and the National League (NL) of Major League Baseball. The game wa…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Major_League_Baseball_All…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2025 Major League Baseball season began on March 18 (with a special two-game Tokyo Series), while the regular season ended on September 28. The postseason began on September 30. The World Series t…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Major_League_Baseball_sea…

+ 3 more evidence sources

help

Claim 7: “The 24-year-old also did not throw a fastball higher than 96.5 mph on Tuesday.”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found regarding his age or his specific maximum fastball velocity (96.5 mph) for that specific Tuesday start.

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Claim 8: “The Pirates have decided to move Skenes’ next start back three days”

CORROBORATED

Multiple independent web sources (Yahoo Sports, WPXI, and others) confirm that the Pirates pushed Paul Skenes' next start back by three days.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates season is the franchise's ongoing 145th season overall, as well their 140th season as a member of the National League, and the 26th season at PNC Park. The team is seeking …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Pittsburgh_Pirates_season

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The following is a history of the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Pittsburgh_Pira…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Paul David Skenes (, born May 29, 2002) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024. Skenes played college bas…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Skenes

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 9: “Instead, he will take the mound on Wednesday against the Tigers, manager Don Kelly announced Saturday”

CORROBORATED

Multiple independent sources confirm that manager Don Kelly announced on Saturday that Skenes would instead start on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Kelly Brianne (born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, April 24, 1982), known professionally as Kelly Clarkson, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Rising to fame after winning the fir…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Clarkson

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Milton Keynes Dons Football Club, usually abbreviated to MK Dons, is a professional association football club based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. The club competes in EFL League One, the…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Paul Maurice Kelly (born 13 January 1955) is an Australian rock music singer-songwriter and guitarist. He has performed solo, and has led numerous groups, including the Dots, the Coloured Girls, and t…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Kelly_(Australian_musicia…

+ 3 more evidence sources

schedule

Claim 10: “The Pirates (60-65) face Boston in a rubber match on Sunday at 1:35 p.m.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

help

Claim 11: “In 2025, he registered 99 mph or higher on his heater 68 times.”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was found to confirm the specific count of 68 fastballs at 99 mph or higher in 2025.

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Claim 12: “adding the decision has nothing to do with an injury.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple sources explicitly state that manager Don Kelly indicated the decision to move the start was not due to an injury.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the franchise's 143rd season overall, 138th season as a member of the National League, and 24th season at PNC Park. On July 5, the Pirates tied a record for home…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Pittsburgh_Pirates_season

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The 2025 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the franchise's 144th season overall, 139th season as a member of the National League, and 25th season at PNC Park. On May 8, manager Derek Shelton was fired aft…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Pittsburgh_Pirates_season

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 13: “The decision comes four days after Skenes saw a shocking downturn on Tuesday against the Marlins at IoanDepot Park.”

CORROBORATED

Web search results confirm Paul Skenes pitched against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, August 11.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — It was apparent against Miami, when he gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out four and walking one across five innings on 65 pitches, the fewest he’s thrown in a start since Apr…
https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-tosses-five-innings-aga…

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web search NEUTRAL — MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 11: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) leaves the mound after the fifth inning during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, August 11, 2…
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pirates-paul-skenes-contin…

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web search NEUTRAL — Rhona Wise. Location: Miami, Florida, USA. People: Paul Skenes.
https://www.vecteezy.com/editorial/sports/mlb/pittsburgh-pir…

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Claim 14: “He only threw five innings — just 65 pitches — before he was pulled from the 2-0 loss.”

CORROBORATED

Web search results confirm Skenes threw five innings on 65 pitches in a loss to the Marlins.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — The meaning of HIS is of or relating to him or himself especially as possessor, agent, or object of an action. How to use his in a sentence.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/his

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — An active Hims Weight Loss Membership is required ($39 for the first month, auto-renews at $149/month thereafter). Membership is billed separately and does not include or guarantee a prescription. Med…
https://www.hims.com/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Wholesome Stories That Will Make Your Day Better His Story Compilations and His Story 18K views • 5 days ago
https://www.youtube.com/@hisytstory

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Claim 15: “Skenes gave up a solo homer in the bottom of the third inning and an RBI single in the fifth to yield two runs.”

CORROBORATED

Both a cross-reference (Nypost) and web search results confirm he allowed two runs: a solo homer in the third and an RBI single in the fifth.

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Mar 18, 2011 · Paul: Directed by Greg Mottola. With Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Mia Stallard. Two English comic book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51.
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1092026/

travel_explore

web search NEUTRAL — Paul was apparently Paul's own preference, since he always refers to himself as Paul in his letters (18 times in the letters generally regarded as written by Paul himself, and 10 more times in the oth…
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_the_Apostle

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web search NEUTRAL — Just as she is about to kill them, she is crushed by the landing transport ship. Paul says goodbye to his friends and offers Tara a chance to go with him, promising to give her a new life after ruinin…
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_(2011_film)

+ 1 more evidence source

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.