When the 2026 season started with Paul Skenes having the roughest start of his MLB career against the New York Mets, many thought it would be just a blip on his greatness radar. Unfortunately, it might have been a precursor for things to come this season for the Pittsburgh Pirates ace, and now we’re left wondering if something is truly wrong with Skenes.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss yet another concerning start for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner and try to figure out what’s going on with Paul Skenes. They make a comparison between him and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who has also suffered a major falloff after his great 2025 campaign, and discuss whether the World Baseball Classic can be used as an excuse.
Later in the show, Jake and Jordan talk about Jackson Merrill being at the forefront of the San Diego Padres’ hot offense, which has put them right back in the mix for a potential NL Wild Card spot. They then highlight the Chicago White Sox giving out a Pope hat as part of a giveaway, Tim Anderson announcing his retirement and play a fun game surrounding the 2026 Heart and Hustle Award winners.
1:11 - The Opener: Paul Skenes’ concern grows
19:13 - Cal Raleigh’s falloff from 2026
29:53 - Around The League: Pope mania reaches new high
37:25 - Tim Anderson announces retirement
43:37 - Padres are getting hot
48:38 - Thoughts on the Phillies
54:23 - Heart and Hustle Award game
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