Paul Skenes poses the problem: Blue Jays up against the Pirates’ mountain 
The Toronto Blue Jays still haven’t found their groove in 2026. And after pushing things all the way to Game 7 of the World Series last year, the target has not changed: get back to October. But with June creeping closer, the clock is starting to tick. Saturday’s assignment looks brutal at 15h, with Toronto set to cross bats with Pittsburgh ace and reigning National League Cy Young winner, Paul Skenes.
Skenes: a riddle almost nobody solves
The Pirates right-hander has been outrageous this season, leading the majors with a microscopic 0.71 WHIP while opponents are batting just .161 against him. Skenes did have a rare blip last Sunday, giving up five runs to the Phillies, but before that he was simply in charge, allowing more than one run only once in his previous eight starts. Against Toronto last year, he struck out eight in six innings of work.
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The overdue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. spark
For a Blue Jays offence carrying the worst OPS in the American League (.676), this is a massive test. Pittsburgh, by contrast, has been a pleasant surprise in the tough National League Central, posting the fifth-best OPS in its league (.726). Toronto at least comes in with a bit of momentum after splitting its series with the Yankees 2-2. And superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. still hasn’t truly caught fire this season, so a breakout could arrive at any moment and get this attack moving.
A crucial showdown with Memorial Day looming
With Memorial Day fast approaching — the traditional checkpoint where early-season form starts to mean something — both teams are firmly in the hunt for the top Wild Card spots. The Pirates, back above .500 after two straight wins, are leaning on strong work from Brandon Lowe and Spencer Horwitz to back up their headline arm. Whether Skenes silences the opposition again, or Toronto finally lands the kind of blow that kicks its season into gear, is the big question.
Credit : Vaughn Ridley / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
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