The spotlight shines on Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, as he struggles in a four-game winless streak ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates' showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at 6:40 p.m. ET from PNC Park. Fans and analysts alike are beginning to question whether there’s something amiss with the ace, who has allowed 15 runs and 26 hits over his last 20 innings.

This matchup is particularly significant as it marks the Dodgers' only visit to Pittsburgh this season. The Pirates enter as slight underdogs, a first for Skenes since his challenging Opening Day performance against the New York Mets.

Key Stats for Skenes:

• Record: 6-5, ERA: 3.09
• Recent performance: 0-3 in last four starts
• Allowed 15 runs in four-game stretch, averaging 11.7 hits per nine innings
• First-pitch strike percentage below 61% in recent outings

Despite his recent struggles, Skenes boasts a better overall season so far compared to his 2025 Cy Young campaign. His xERA sits at 2.30, indicating potential for a turnaround.

Injuries complicate matters for the Pirates, with standout players Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz day-to-day, while Brandon Lowe also faces uncertainty due to a knee injury.

Tonight, Skenes will face off against Eric Lauer, a recent acquisition for the Dodgers, who has shown promise with a 2.53 ERA since joining the team. As Skenes aims to break his slump, fans eagerly await a performance reminiscent of his past dominance against Los Angeles.