Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes are struggling to maintain their elite 2025 form. Both players are currently navigating significant performance declines during the 2026 season.
Raleigh’s .183 average and the May oblique injury
Cal Raleigh's 2025 campaign, which featured 60 home runs and a .948 OPS, set an incredibly high bar for his 2026 season. However, the Seattle Mariners' designated hitter is currently struggling with a .183 batting average and a significant drop in slugging percentage.. This downturn follows a period of physical distress for the veteran slugger.
As the report indicates, a right oblique strain suffered between May 14 and June 16 has been a primary driver of this slump. Raleigh reportedly attempted to play through the discomfort, but the injury appears to have compromised his swing mechanics and overall power. This physical setback has left him with only 21 home runs through 112 games, a far cry from the offensive dominance he displayed last year.
Skenes' 3.83 ERA and the mechanical shift
Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes is facing a different kind of performance crisis as his pitching numbers undergo a sharp correction. After establishing himself with sub-2.00 ERA seasons, Skenes has seen his ERA climb to 3.83 over 20 outings since mid-May. This decline has prompted scouts to look closely at his physical delivery on the mound.
Observers have noted specific changes in Skenes' mechanics , including a slower four-seam fastball and a shift in his starting posture. Specifically, scouts have identified a heavier weight distribution toward his heel and a more pronounced torso crunch.. These adjustments may be lengthening his arm path and disrupting the timing that made him so effective in his first two years of professional play.
A Verlander-style approach to pitching longevity
The decline in Skenes' velocity might not be a sign of failure, but rather a calculated move for career preservation. Some scouts suggest that the Pittsburgh Pirates may be intentionally throttling his fastball to help him manage a heavy workload. This strategy is dessigned to help him reach the 30-start threshold per year without risking catastrophic injury.
According to the source, this method of workload management mirrors the approaches taken by legendary veteran pitchers like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Chris Sale. By prioritizing long-term health over immediate velocity, the Pirates may be attempting to secure Skenes' effectiveness for years to come, even if it results in temporary mediocrity during the 2026 season.
What the Mariners and Pirates must solve before the playoffs
As the MLB regular season nears its conclusion, both organizations face critical decisions regarding their star players. For the Seattle Mariners, the primary concern is whether Raleigh can overcome his struggles against left-handed pitching, where he currently holds a meager .161 batting average. There is also the question of whether his oblique injury has caused lasting mechanical damage to his swing.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates, management must determine if Skenes' recent struggles are a result of intentional pacing or a genuine mechanical breakdown . Additionally , the team needs to address whether a lack of consistent run support is impacting Skenes' confidence on the mound. Both clubs must find a balance between immediate postseason competitiveness and the long-term health of their franchise assets.
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