Detroit Tigers' Skubal And Pittsburgh's Skenes: What Went Wrong?

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 20, 2025

4.3

Share

Detroit Tigers' Skubal and Pittsburgh's Skenes: Unraveling the Early-Season Struggles

The 2023 MLB season hasn't unfolded as planned for everyone. While many young stars are shining brightly, two highly touted pitchers, Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes, have experienced unexpected early-season setbacks. This article delves into the reasons behind their struggles and explores what the future might hold for these promising arms.

Tarik Skubal: A Difficult Return from Injury

Skubal's 2023 campaign has been a frustrating tale of recovery and readjustment. After undergoing flexor tendon surgery in 2022, high expectations surrounded his return. However, he's struggled to find his pre-injury form, exhibiting inconsistencies in velocity and command. His fastball, once a weapon, lacks the same zip, impacting his overall effectiveness.

• Velocity Concerns: A noticeable dip in velocity is a primary concern. Sources suggest he's still building arm strength and hasn't fully regained his pre-surgery power. This directly impacts the effectiveness of his secondary pitches.
• Command Issues: Coupled with the velocity issues, Skubal’s command has been erratic. He's walking more batters than usual, leading to higher pitch counts and shorter outings. This puts extra strain on his still-recovering arm.
• Mechanical Adjustments: Reports indicate Skubal and the Tigers' coaching staff are working on refining his mechanics. Subtle adjustments to his delivery are crucial to regaining optimal efficiency and minimizing stress on his arm.

Paul Skenes: The Transition from College to the Majors

Skenes, the highly touted first-round draft pick, faced a different set of challenges. The transition from college pitching to the major leagues is notoriously difficult, and Skenes is feeling the pressure. While possessing exceptional talent, he's struggled with consistency and adapting to the higher caliber of hitters.

• Increased Competition: Major league hitters are far more disciplined and possess a better understanding of scouting reports compared to college players. Skenes's college-level dominance hasn't translated seamlessly.
• Pitch Sequencing and Readjustments: Skenes's arsenal is impressive, but refining his pitch sequencing and learning to exploit hitters' weaknesses at the major league level requires significant adjustment. The Pirates coaching staff is working with him to adapt his approach.
• Mental Game: The pressure of being a highly anticipated rookie can weigh heavily on a young pitcher. Managing expectations and maintaining a positive mental attitude is crucial for long-term success.

Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future?

Despite their current struggles, both Skubal and Skenes possess the talent to become dominant pitchers. Their setbacks highlight the complexities of professional baseball and the challenges faced by young players, especially pitchers returning from injury or making the leap from college.

For Skubal, continued focus on regaining full arm strength and refining his mechanics is paramount. Patience and consistent work are key to a successful return to his previous form. For Skenes, adapting to major league hitters, refining his pitch sequencing, and managing the mental aspects of the game will be crucial for future success. Both pitchers, and their respective organizations, will need to exercise patience as they navigate these early-season difficulties. The future remains bright, but consistent hard work and adaptation will be essential to unlock their full potential. [Link to MLB Pipeline prospect rankings].

Keywords: Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB, pitching struggles, injury recovery, prospect, rookie, baseball, velocity, command, mechanics, pitch sequencing.