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There are official pitch limits, and there are pitch counts, and for Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, they won't be the same thing.
On Sunday night, Skenes gets the ball to start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic against the potent Dominican Republic lineup. The WBC has specific rules about pitches, but that's not all that's being followed here.
The Pirates also have an amount they want Skenes to throw. It's only March. They have to be careful with his prized right arm.
So just because he can throw one amount on Sunday night doesn't mean he will.
MORE: Paul Skenes has incredible stats vs. the Dominican Republic
How many pitches can Paul Skenes throw tonight?
Skenes can throw up to 95 pitches on Sunday night according to WBC rules for the semifinal.
He's not going to throw that many, though.
U.S. manager Mark DeRosa told reporters that Skenes would have between 70 and 75 pitches on his docket.
Paul Skenes will be available for roughly 70 to 75 pitches tonight, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 15, 2026The U.S. will then likely have a full allotment of bullpen arms to follow Skenes after having Saturday off.
One new guy has arrived: Jeff Hoffman, the Blue Jays closer. It's safe to expect him to pitch since he just showed up.
But first, Skenes will try to be electric and slow down the powerhouse Dominican Republic lineup.
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