The Disappearing Splinker: What’s Going On with Paul Skenes’ Signature Pitch?
A look at usage trends, results, and why that famous pitch is nearly gone out of his arsenal
Paul Skenes burst onto the scene as one of baseball’s most electric arms, armed with triple-digit heat and a mythical weapon: the splinker. The hybrid splitter-sinker quickly gained a reputation as one of the most devastating pitches in the sport.
But here we are in August 2025, and something strange is happening. The splinker has all but vanished from his arsenal.
From Calling Card to Afterthought
When Skenes first reached professional baseball, the splinker was a centerpiece:
May 2024: 34.9% usage
September 2024: 24.2%
April 2025: 25.7%
August 2025: just 4.9%
In the same span, his four-seam fastball has climbed to 44.7%, signaling a clear shift in how he’s attacking hitters.
Hitters Are Catching Up
The early mystique around the splinker isn’t reflected in results anymore. In fact, hitters are starting to do serious damage against it.
Here’s how opponents have fared against the splinker in 2025:
(Based on ABs that end on this particular pitch)
April: .243 BA | .351 SLG | 9-37
May: .207 BA | .414 SLG | 6-29
June: .364 BA | .455 SLG | 4-11
July: .400 BA | .400 SLG | 4-10
August: .500 BA | 1.000 SLG | 1-2
That’s not what you’d expect from a pitch once hyped as unhittable.
A Costly Turning Point
The shift might have started when hitters first took Skenes deep this year. Of the first four home runs he allowed in 2025, three came off the splinker:
April 19: Kyle Manzardo (Splinker)
May 1: Dansby Swanson (Splinker)
May 1: Seiya Suzuki (Splinker)
(Also May 1: Kyle Tucker off a four-seam)
The pitch that once embarrassed hitters was suddenly getting punished.
Why the Change?
So what’s behind the splinker’s disappearance? A few theories stand out:
Performance – Hitters have adjusted, and the results back it up.
Confidence – After giving up three early homers on splinkers, Paul may not trust it the way he once did.
Health Concerns – Splitter style pitches are notoriously stressful on the arm, especially when you’re throwing them at 95 mph.
Pirates Strategy – The organization may have data showing the pitch is more effective in small doses, making it a “back pocket” weapon instead of a go to option.
Bottom Line: The Story Isn’t Over
Paul Skenes is still one of the game’s most dominant pitchers. But his arsenal looks different today than it did a year ago.
The splinker may not be gone forever, but for now it’s taken a back seat to the four-seam. Whether this is a blip, an adjustment, or the end of an era for the pitch remains to be seen.