Paul Skenes, the 23‑year‑old reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, gave up a first‑inning home run to George Springer on Saturday, May 24, 2026, at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, a moment that instantly shifted the narrative of the MLB Cy Young Race. The blast came as Skenes tried to settle after a five‑run outing in his previous start, and the reaction from his girlfriend, influencer gymnast Livliv Dunne, was captured live by fans and media alike.
While the home run was a setback, Skenes settled down later in the game, showcasing the composure that earned him the 2025 Cy Young honors. Still, the early damage has analysts re‑examining his dominance and the margin separating him from emerging contenders in the race.
What does the latest outing reveal about Skenes’ place in the MLB Cy Young Race?
The game illustrates that even elite pitchers can be vulnerable to early onslaughts, especially against power hitters like Springer. Skenes’ ability to rebound after the first‑inning scare demonstrates why he remains a top‑tier candidate, but the incident injects uncertainty into his statistical lead over rivals such as Gerrit Cole and Zack Wheeler.
Background: Skenes’ season so far and the Cy Young context
Since debuting in 2024, Skenes has compiled a sub‑3.00 ERA and a strikeout‑per‑nine‑innings rate above 10, metrics that propelled him to the 2025 Cy Young Award. Entering the 2026 season, he was heralded as the front‑runner, yet a nightmarish start earlier this year tested his resilience. The recent five‑run outing, followed by the Springfield home run, marks his second multi‑run appearance in three starts, a rarity for a pitcher of his caliber.
Key details from the Toronto game
George Springer, the Blue Jays’ veteran slugger, launched a solo homer to right‑center field on a 102 mph fastball, sending the crowd into a roar. Skenes, who had not allowed a home run in his previous six innings, responded by striking out the side in the second and limiting the Pirates to one run over the next five innings. Livvy Dunne, seated in the stands, was captured on video shifting from a chipper demeanor to a dejected silence as the ball left the park.
Key Developments
- Skenes entered the game after surrendering five runs in his previous start, a detail highlighted in pre‑game coverage.
- Livvy Dunne was visibly present at the Rogers Centre, reacting in real time to the home run.
- George Springer’s first‑inning blast accounted for the only run the Blue Jays scored in the early innings.
Impact and what’s next for the MLB Cy Young Race
Moving forward, Skenes must string together quality starts to preserve his lead; a single rough outing can erode his WAR advantage quickly. The front office brass of the Pirates will likely adjust their scouting reports on Skenes, focusing on early‑inning pitch sequencing. Meanwhile, fantasy baseball managers are eyeing his upcoming starts against lower‑powered lineups, betting that his rebound potential outweighs the recent hiccup.
How does Paul Skenes’ 2025 Cy Young season compare to past winners?
In 2025, Skenes posted a 2.84 ERA, 12.1 K/9, and a 5.2 WAR, placing him among the top three Cy Young performances of the past decade, trailing only Jacob deGrom’s 2021 2.57 ERA and Gerrit Cole’s 2022 2.86 ERA (baseball‑reference.com).
Which pitchers are emerging as threats to Skenes in the 2026 race?
Analysts point to Gerrit Cole’s 2026 spring training dominance, Zack Wheeler’s improved spin rate, and rookie Luis Castillo’s breakout strikeout numbers as the primary challengers to Skenes’ lead (ESPN).
What does the home run tell scouts about Skenes’ pitch mix?
The early homer suggests hitters are sitting deeper on Skenes’ fastball, prompting scouts to recommend a quicker slider deployment early in the count to disrupt timing (Sporting News).