Skenes isn't throwing his fastball as hard as he did last year with an average velocity of 98.0 mph (down from 98.8 mph in 2024). His sinker is up nearly three miles per hour compared to last season (96.9 to 94.0).

In a story published Tuesday, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci reported Skenes is one of 21 pitchers over the last four seasons to average 96.6 mph on their four-seam fastball in the first two innings of games. Thirteen of these pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery, and 19 suffered a notable injury. Skenes insists he's not concerned about that.

The Pirates win, anchored by Skenes, drops the Dodgers to 16-10 and gives them their second three-game losing streak of 2025. They remain in third place in the hotly contested NL West. Pittsburgh, meantime, improve to 11-16 but remain in last place in the NL Central.