What happened: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes spent part of his Monday with a Little League team, playing catch and signing autographs for the young players. The visit was an off-field appearance, separate from any game action.

Why it matters: Goodwill moments like this build a player's standing with a fan base, and the same Paul Skenes who anchors Pittsburgh's rotation remains one of the franchise's most marketable faces. For a Pirates club leaning on young talent, its star connecting with the next generation of fans carries community value beyond the box score.

What to watch: Skenes returns the focus to the mound as the Pirates continue their 2026 regular-season schedule.