Pittsburgh Pirates vs Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Paul Skenes Stays Put as Pirates Host Brewers in Marquee Matchup

Pittsburgh’s Friday night game against the Milwaukee Brewers won’t just be another notch in the regular season schedule—it’s a statement game. And the statement has already begun: Paul Skenes isn’t going anywhere.

After days of swirling trade rumors, Pirates GM Ben Cherington made it clear—Skenes is staying put. Now, the 22-year-old phenom will take the mound at home with a little more peace of mind and a lot more to prove.

It’s not just a big night for Skenes, though. The game features a dream pitching matchup with Milwaukee’s ace Freddy Peralta, and it comes at a time when both clubs are searching for rhythm—albeit from very different angles.

Rumors Shut Down: Skenes Off the Market

Trade whispers can quickly gain momentum, especially when they involve top-tier talent on underperforming teams. But Paul Skenes? The Pirates are making it clear—he’s part of the solution, not trade bait.

“No, it’s not part of the conversation at all,” GM Ben Cherington told reporters Thursday. “Let’s play better baseball, and that’s going to lead to winning more games.”

With a 3-5 record but a stellar 2.44 ERA, Skenes has been one of Pittsburgh’s few consistent bright spots. But his outings often go unsupported—like Sunday’s masterpiece against the Phillies where he allowed one run across eight innings… and still took the loss.

Pittsburgh’s Offense: Finally a Flicker of Life?

If you blinked during Thursday’s 8-5 loss to Milwaukee, you might’ve missed a rare offensive milestone: the Pirates scored more than four runs. That snapped a 26-game streak of scoring four runs or fewer—tying a major-league record.

Ironically, it happened in a loss. Still, it’s a start.

Skenes has only had one game this year where his team gave him more than four runs of support. And the Pirates have lost each of his last four starts despite strong performances.

For team updates and stat breakdowns, check the Pirates Team Page.

Paul Skenes: Dominant, Underrated, and Due for a Win

Skenes’ most recent start came against Philadelphia—a season-high eight innings, only three hits allowed, one walk, and nine strikeouts. The result? A 1-0 loss.

It was the latest in a line of outings that show his ability to dominate, even if the win column doesn’t reflect it.

Career vs Milwaukee

Skenes has only faced Milwaukee once before—July 11, 2024—and it was unforgettable. He threw seven hitless innings, walked one, and struck out 11. Total command. Total dominance.

Now, he gets the Brewers again—this time at home.

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Freddy Peralta Leads Brewers Into Battle

While Skenes is the talk of the Pirates, Freddy Peralta is quietly crafting another solid year for Milwaukee. The 28-year-old righty owns a 5-3 record with a 2.59 ERA and recently surpassed 1,000 career strikeouts.

After a minor groin tweak on May 4, Peralta missed minimal time and returned to form in his most recent start, holding the Twins to one run over five innings and ending their 13-game win streak.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised his consistency:
“He’s just getting better… so consistent for us.”

Career vs Pirates

Peralta is no stranger to facing Pittsburgh. In 22 career appearances (13 starts), he’s posted a 3.55 ERA and a 2-2 record in PNC Park. He’s done enough to keep the Pirates in check, but it’s rarely been easy.

Check out his trends and odds on our MLB Odds Page.

Brewers’ Offense: Can Yelich Keep It Going?

The Brewers come into Friday’s matchup with a bit of extra swagger after Christian Yelich found his swing again. He was in a dreadful slump—just 2-for-32 in his previous eight games—before breaking out with two home runs and four RBIs on Thursday.

That could be a game-changer if Yelich starts producing again. Peralta and the rest of the staff have done their jobs; now it’s about the offense supporting them.

Key Matchups and What to Watch

This series has a little bit of everything—storylines, young talent, pitching duels. Here are a few things to keep your eyes on:

Can the Pirates score enough to back Skenes?
His elite outings have been wasted too often. One big inning could finally flip the script.

Will Yelich’s hot bat continue?
If the former MVP is truly out of his slump, the Brewers become much scarier.

Is Peralta back to full strength?
He’s had two starts since tweaking his groin. Friday will be a true test of durability and effectiveness.

For in-depth analysis, don’t miss the Expert Betting Guide.

FAQs

Is Paul Skenes being traded?
No. Pirates GM Ben Cherington firmly stated that Skenes is not on the trade market and is considered part of the team’s long-term plan.

How has Skenes pitched this season?
He’s 3-5 with a 2.44 ERA. Despite excellent outings, he’s received very little run support.

Who is starting for the Brewers?
Freddy Peralta, who is 5-3 with a 2.59 ERA, will start. He’s coming off a strong win over the Twins.

How did Skenes pitch against the Brewers last time?
He threw seven hitless innings with 11 strikeouts in a dominant outing on July 11, 2024.

Is Christian Yelich heating up again?
After a rough stretch, Yelich hit two homers and drove in four runs Thursday—possibly signaling a turnaround.

Where can I get betting tips for this game?
Check the MLB Picks Page for the latest expert insights and betting tips.