Skenes cites WBC for velocity dip: 'It definitely affected the year'

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has attributed an uncharacteristic dip in his pitching velocity this season to his participation in the World Baseball Classic, stating 'it definitely affected the year.' Skenes, considered one of baseball's top young pitchers, indicated that the added workload from the WBC contributed to his struggles throughout the MLB season. The comments shed light on ongoing concerns about the physical toll the international tournament places on players heading into the regular season.