Skenes: Pirates' Rough Start on Players, not Management

Pittsburgh Pirates' young ace, Paul Skenes, has emphasized that the team's disappointing start to the season, with a 2-6 record, is due to player performance rather than management's shortcomings. Despite Skenes' impressive individual performance, fans expressed frustration during a 9-4 loss to the New York Yankees, directing boos and chants of 'Sell the team' at manager Derek Shelton and owner Bob Nutting. A plane even flew over PNC Park with a banner urging the sale of the team. Skenes insists that the responsibility lies with the players, as management is receptive to feedback aimed at improving team performance. Although the Pirates have only completed 5% of their schedule, Skenes remains optimistic about turning the season around, acknowledging that teams often face rough patches. The current situation reflects a broader expectation from the organization to contend seriously in the league.