Paul Skenes Remains a Key Asset for the Pirates
As the Pittsburgh Pirates navigate through a challenging season, one thing remains clear: they have no plans to shut down their standout rookie pitcher, Paul Skenes. At 22 years old, the right-hander has made an impressive impact since arriving in early May, and the team is committed to keeping him on the mound.
Skenes has made 16 starts for the Pirates, averaging over six innings and approximately 98 pitches per outing. His endurance and consistency are remarkable for a pitcher of his age, and the Pirates see no need to set an innings limit for him in 2024.
On July 5, Skenes demonstrated his stamina by reaching a season-high of 107 pitches in a game against the New York Mets. Overall, he has pitched 98 innings at the big-league level, and his performance has been nothing short of stellar. With a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, along with 121 strikeouts, Skenes is making a solid case for Rookie of the Year honors.
“Any attempt to lessen his workload would reportedly come in shortening some starts, rather than skipping them entirely, allowing him to finish out what has thus far looked like a Rookie of the Year season,” noted sports journalists Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
Skenes' rise to prominence is not entirely surprising. Before joining the Pirates, he was a key player for the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he threw 129 1/3 innings as the team's ace. His transition from college to the majors has been seamless, a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Physically, Skenes is a force to be reckoned with. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, his imposing presence on the mound is matched by his pitching prowess. This season, including his time with LSU, he has worked 125 1/3 innings, demonstrating his ability to consistently deliver quality starts.
“The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates,” added Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel. Indeed, Skenes has become a beacon of hope for the Pirates, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the National League Central.
The Pirates entered Monday's slate seven games below .500 and find themselves 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot. Despite their current standing, Skenes' performances have provided fans with something to cheer for and look forward to. His starts have become must-watch events, offering a glimpse of the team's potential future successes.
While the Pirates might consider shortening some of Skenes’ starts to manage his workload, the focus will remain on keeping him active and effective. This approach ensures that he can continue to develop and contribute, maintaining his trajectory as one of the league’s most exciting young pitchers.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Paul Skenes. His ability to maintain his current level of performance could play a crucial role in the Pirates’ efforts to climb the standings. For now, the team and its fans can take pride in witnessing the early stages of what promises to be a remarkable career.
In a season marked by challenges and setbacks, the emergence of Paul Skenes as a top-tier pitcher offers a silver lining. His talent, determination, and impressive statistics underscore why he is a key player in the Pirates' lineup and a significant part of their future plans.
For Pittsburgh, the message is clear: Paul Skenes is here to stay, and his journey is just beginning.