All-Star Paul Skenes starts for the Pirates vs. Mariners on July 6, 2025, as Andrew McCutchen makes history. Get the latest on the roster shakeup.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Even with a 38-51 record, there are days that jolt you with excitement as a Pirates fan, and today is one of them. All-Star Paul Skenes is on the mound tonight in Seattle, a must-watch event for the Buccos faithful. But the ace's start comes against a backdrop of change, with key roster moves shaking up the dugout and a franchise legend continuing to climb the history books.
Andrew McCutchen recently hit his 241st career home run as a Pirate, surpassing Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente for third place on the franchise's all-time list.
All eyes are on Paul Skenes tonight as he faces the Mariners. Fresh off being named a 2025 All-Star, Skenes continues to be the brightest spot in a challenging season. With a dazzling 2.03 ERA and 115 strikeouts, he's not just pitching like an ace; he's pitching like one of the best in the game. It's a reminder of the future the front office is building, with Skenes under club control through 2029. He'll likely be joined at the All-Star festivities in Atlanta by shortstop Oneil Cruz, another cornerstone of this team. Tonight, Skenes duels Seattle's George Kirby, offering a glimpse of the dominance we hope to see for years to come.
The Pirates' depth was tested today with the announcement that catcher/infielder Endy Rodriguez is heading to the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. It's a tough blow, sidelining a versatile young player. In a corresponding move, struggling lefty Joey Wentz was designated for assignment. To fill the voids, the Bucs have called on catcher Brett Sullivan and right-handed reliever Isaac Mattson from Triple-A Indianapolis. Manager Don Kelly is hoping the new arms and backstop can provide a spark as the team navigates another injury.
While Skenes represents the future, Andrew McCutchen continues to cement his legendary status in the present. In a truly special moment for the franchise, Cutch recently launched his 241st home run in a Pirates uniform, moving him past the iconic Roberto Clemente for sole possession of third place on the team's all-time list. It's a powerful milestone for the veteran leader, who returned on a one-year deal to add to his incredible Pittsburgh legacy. Every at-bat is a chance to witness history.
Tonight, we tune in for Skenes, hoping for a dominant performance to snap the losing streak. But the day's news is a microcosm of the 2025 season: the promise of a brilliant future embodied by our All-Stars, the frustrating reality of injuries and roster churn, and the timeless joy of watching a legend like McCutchen etch his name into history. The road is long, but nights like these give us a reason to watch.
