Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggled in a 2-0 loss to the Miami Marlins on August 11, 2026, as Eury Perez and Esteury Ruiz led Miami to a shutout. Skenes’ performance raised questions about his recent decline, with insiders suggesting weight gain may be a factor.
The Miami Marlins’ 2-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 11, 2026, marked another tough outing for Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who has seen his performance dip in 2026. Eury Perez, Miami’s right-hander, pitched seven scoreless innings, while Esteury Ruiz contributed a solo home run and key defensive plays to secure the shutout. The win extended Miami’s lead in the National League Wild Card race, while the Pirates fell to 58-63.
Perez Shuts Out Skenes as Ruiz Powers Marlins’ Win
Perez, who returned from the injured list in June, pitched seven shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out seven. His performance was pivotal in the Marlins’ 12th shutout of the season, tying the New York Yankees for third in MLB. Ruiz, meanwhile, hit a solo home run off Skenes in the third inning, his sixth of the year and a career-high. The blast came on a 95.5 mph fastball, the first Skenes had given up to a No. 9 hitter in his MLB career.
Ruiz added to Miami’s lead in the fifth inning with a double, stealing second and scoring on an infield single. Skenes exited after that inning, despite throwing only 65 pitches. This marked the seventh time in his past nine starts that he failed to reach six innings, raising concerns about his consistency. The Pirates’ offense, meanwhile, managed just three hits against Perez, who improved to 5-9 on the season.
Skenes’ Struggles Fuel Weight Gain Theories
Insiders have linked Skenes’ recent struggles to potential weight gain, a theory highlighted by Pittsburgh MLB insider John Perrotto. Some inside baseball believe he's gained too much weight. He's gotten heavier,
Perrotto reported, according to Yahoo Sports. The claim came as Skenes’ 2026 statistics fell from his 2024 and 2025 peak seasons. In 24 starts this year, he has a 3.96 ERA, up from 1.96 in 2024, with a 4.5 K/BB ratio compared to 5.3 in 2024.
Skenes addressed the speculation directly, noting, I think it's the first time in my career the 'velo' has kind of dipped. But it's not something I'm stressed over at all.
His fastball velocity dropped to 96.9 mph in 2026, down from 98.2 mph in 2025. Despite the concerns, Skenes remains a three-time All-Star and the 2025 National League Cy Young winner, with a 10.8 K/9 rate this season.
Marlins’ Payroll and Playoff Prospects Contrast With Pirates
The game highlighted the financial disparity between the Pirates and Marlins, two of MLB’s lower-spending teams. The Pirates, with a $106.95 million payroll, and the Marlins, at $82.24 million, both rank in the bottom seven in MLB. Despite their limited resources, the Marlins have made the playoffs four times in franchise history, including two World Series titles, while the Pirates have not reached the postseason since 2015.
The Pirates’ struggles this season have intensified as they sit at 58-62, with five losses in their last six games. Their collapse has raised questions about whether Skenes can regain his form. If his weight increase is causing the issues, he'll need to get things under control quickly,
Yahoo Sports noted, though the team has not publicly addressed the matter.
Skenes’ Yankees Rumors and Team Loyalty
Despite his struggles, Skenes has remained a focal point of trade speculation, with reporters and fans frequently suggesting he will eventually join the New York Yankees. During a media session in July, a reporter jokingly called him a “Future Yankee,” prompting Skenes to ask, “Who’s that?” The moment underscored the persistent rumors, which Skenes has repeatedly denied.
I’m on the Pirates, my goal is to win with the Pirates,
Skenes said, emphasizing his commitment to Pittsburgh. Skenes’ performance in the second half of the season will be critical in determining his future with the team.
What’s Next for Skenes and the Pirates?
With the 2026 season entering its final stretch, Skenes faces pressure to rediscover his early-career dominance. For now, the focus remains on whether he can address the issues highlighted by insiders and return to his previous form.
The Marlins, meanwhile, continue to rely on their young core, with Perez and Ruiz leading the charge. Their ability to sustain their success without significant payroll increases will be a key storyline for the rest of the season.
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