The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a crucial decision regarding their rookie sensation, Paul Skenes. Contrary to speculation, the Pirates have no plans to shut down the 22-year-old right-hander. With no set innings limit for him in 2024, the team appears committed to allowing Skenes to contribute significantly throughout the season.
The Journey So Far
Arriving in Pittsburgh in early May, Skenes has swiftly established himself as a standout in the rotation. In his 16 starts, he has consistently delivered high-quality performances, averaging over six innings per start with approximately 98 pitches. His apex came on July 5, when he reached a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets.
Skenes' numbers are nothing short of impressive for a rookie. He has logged 98 innings at the big-league level, sporting a commendable 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. Additionally, his 121 strikeouts further underscore his dominance on the mound, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the league.
All-Star Step-Up
Adding to his growing resume, Skenes had the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, a testament to his exceptional skills and rapid rise in the majors. His experience at the collegiate level with the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he threw 129 1/3 innings as the team's ace, has evidently prepared him well for the rigors of professional baseball.
Managing the Workload
While the Pirates are determined to utilize Skenes' talent, they are also mindful of not overtaxing their young star. "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 Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel. This strategy not only aims to protect Skenes' health but also ensures he continues to be a pivotal figure in the Pirates' lineup.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Skenes' imposing physical presence translates well on the mound. Including his innings at LSU, he has worked 125 1/3 innings this season, showcasing his remarkable stamina and durability.
A Bright Future
The Pirates, meanwhile, find themselves in a challenging position. Seven games below .500 and languishing in last place in the National League Central, they are 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot. Despite this, the emergence of Paul Skenes offers a silver lining for the team and its fans.
"The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates," observe Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel. Skenes' performances provide a source of hope and excitement, as he has quickly become a beacon of potential for the franchise.
As the season progresses, the balance between leveraging Skenes' formidable talent and safeguarding his future will be key. The Pirates' approach of potentially shortening his starts rather than shutting him down entirely underscores their long-term vision for the young pitcher. With Skenes leading the charge, the Pirates' faithful will be eagerly watching every pitch, hoping for a resurgence that aligns with their rookie's promising trajectory.