Paul Skenes: A Bright Star in a Challenging Season for the Pirates
In a season fraught with challenges, the Pittsburgh Pirates remain committed to their rookie pitching sensation, Paul Skenes. The 22-year-old right-hander has been a beacon of hope for the Pirates, who have thus far struggled, sitting seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central.
Skenes, who stands an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs 235 pounds, has made a significant impact since his arrival in Pittsburgh in early May. Through 16 starts, he has established himself as a formidable presence on the mound, averaging over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches. Notably, he reached a personal season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets on July 5.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have no intention of shutting down their star rookie. There is no set innings limit for Skenes in 2024, underscoring the organization’s confidence in his endurance and ability to contribute to the team’s future success. With 98 innings pitched at the big-league level, Skenes boasts an impressive 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, along with 121 strikeouts.
Skenes’ stellar performance earned him the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, a testament to his talent and the high regard in which he is held within the league. He has carried the momentum from his college career, where he was a key member of the national-champion LSU Tigers, throwing 129 1/3 innings as LSU's ace.
Despite his heavy workload, the Pirates appear more inclined to manage Skenes’ innings by potentially shortening some starts rather than skipping them entirely. As noted by sports journalists Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel, "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."
Indeed, Skenes is shaping up to be the rare combination of talent and box-office draw. As Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel put it, "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates."
As of now, Skenes has worked 125 1/3 innings this season, including his time with LSU. While the Pirates are currently 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, the emergence of Skenes provides a foundation upon which the team can build. His contributions on the mound offer a glimmer of hope for a franchise looking to regain its competitive edge.
The Pirates’ decision to keep Skenes active speaks volumes about their expectations for him. By allowing him to continue pitching while carefully managing his workload, they aim to preserve his health and effectiveness in the long run. His performance, both statistically and in terms of on-field presence, has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise tough season for the team.
In summary, Paul Skenes represents a significant investment for the Pittsburgh Pirates, one that holds promise for the future. With his combination of size, skill, and stamina, Skenes is poised to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. As he continues his rookie campaign, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hopeful for continued excellence from this young phenom.