Paul Skenes' nightmarish July leaves ex-Cowboys star searching for answers

Paul Skenes has done nothing but impress over his past two years in the MLB. However, July marked a rare instance for the Pirates ace, who struggled to keep the ball out of play.

In July, the right-hander went 3-2 with a 6.25 ERA, allowing 22 earned runs and 37 hits. In his latest start against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, Skenes lasted only four innings, giving up five earned runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out seven. His season ERA has now climbed to 3.90.

After Skenes' latest start, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was curious about this uncharacteristic downfall.

"Curious question..What do you guys think the issue is with Paul Skenes?" he asked on X.

Curious question..What do you guys think the issue is with Paul Skenes?

During this tough month, Skenes' velocity has become a major talking point. In his start against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he allowed a career-high seven earned runs, his four-seam fastball averaged 96.3 mph, down 0.7 mph from his previous average.

MORE: Pirates best trade deadline fit is Padres All-Star reliever not named Mason Miller

Paul Skenes reveals reason behind struggles against Reds

Paul Skenes had a nightmarish outing in Great American Ball Park on Friday. In the first inning itself, the right-hander allowed two runs and needed 35 pitches to retire the Reds. Skenes believes he took a lot of time to settle on the mound.

"I mean it took pretty much an inning to find my delivery, which happens," Skenes said. "Usually it doesn't look that bad in the first inning, but yeah, just pretty sloppy all around."

Overall, about his string of poor performances in July, Skenes particularly noted Friday's performance but acknowledged he has been sloppy.

"I mean, I think today was extreme," Skenes said. "Today was just straight up the sloppiest outing of the year for me. I think, other than that, probably haven't been getting ahead in counts enough. You know, walking guys, giving up contact when I don't really want to be giving up contact at times.

"But up until today, I think I've viewed the past month or so as me throwing the ball pretty well, even though it doesn't look like it at all, really. So, yeah, the month as a whole, I don't think has been terrible. Today was pretty terrible."

It remains to be seen if the Pirates star can rebound in August after enduring a tough month on the mound.

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