Paul Skenes Continues to Shine as Pirates’ Season Stumbles
Despite a challenging season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team has made a definitive decision regarding rookie Paul Skenes: they have no plans to shut down their burgeoning star. The 22-year-old right-hander has been a bright spot in what has otherwise been a dim season for the Pirates, who find themselves languishing in last place in the National League Central and are seven and a half games out of the final NL wild-card spot.
Skenes, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs 235 pounds, has consistently impressed since arriving in Pittsburgh in early May. Over the course of 16 starts, he has averaged over six innings per start, throwing about 98 pitches per game. In an era where teams are often cautious with young arms, Skenes stands out for his durability and effectiveness. He has pitched a total of 98 innings at the big-league level, boasting a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. His strikeout tally is equally impressive, with 121 batters sent back to the dugout.
His stellar performance even earned him the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, a testament to his talent and the impact he's made in a relatively short time. The Pirates, recognizing the value Skenes brings both to their lineup and to their box office, are keen to keep their ace on the mound. "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates," noted esteemed sportswriters Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
Skenes' journey to the majors is equally impressive. Prior to joining the Pirates, he was a key member of the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he threw 129 1/3 innings as the team's ace. This season, combining his stint with LSU and his time with the Pirates, Skenes has worked 125 1/3 innings—an indication of his impressive workload and the trust both his college and professional coaches have in his arm.
Notably, the Pirates have no established innings limit for Skenes in 2024, suggesting that the team is confident in his endurance and skill. Instead of considering a shutdown to manage his workload, the Pirates might opt for a more measured approach. "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," Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel further explained.
Indeed, on July 5, Skenes showcased his stamina and skill by reaching a season-high of 107 pitches in a game against the New York Mets. His reliability on the mound has been a rare positive in a season where the Pirates entered Monday’s slate seven games below .500, struggling to find consistent success.
As the Pirates navigate the remainder of their season, the focus on Skenes will likely remain intense. His ability to continue performing at a high level could not only provide a beacon of hope for the team’s future but also help solidify his status as one of baseball's most promising young pitchers. With both eyes on his development, the Pirates and their fans can take solace in knowing that their rookie sensation is set to keep thrilling audiences and baffling batters, pitch after pitch.
In a season of ups and downs, Paul Skenes’ remarkable debut is firmly etched as a standout storyline for the Pirates. As the team looks to rebuild and compete in the coming years, the foundation they're laying with stars like Skenes will be crucial. The Pittsburgh faithful can only hope that this is just the beginning of a long and storied career for their young ace, whose present brilliance lights the way for a brighter future in the Steel City.