Paul Skenes Continues to Shine in Rookie Season
In a season fraught with challenges, the Pittsburgh Pirates have found a beacon of hope in rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. Despite the team's struggles, the Pirates have no plans to shut down their 22-year-old right-hander anytime soon. As the season wears on, it's clear that Skenes is not only living up to the hype but also exceeding expectations.
Skenes, who joined the Pirates in early May, has already made 16 starts. With an average of over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches per game, the young pitcher showcases incredible stamina and skill. Notably, he reached a season-high of 107 pitches in a game against the New York Mets on July 5.
There's no set innings limit for Skenes in 2024, a clear indication that the Pirates are keen on leveraging his abilities to the fullest. Having pitched 98 innings at the big-league level, Skenes has maintained an impressive 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, backed by 121 strikeouts. His performance is nothing short of remarkable, suggesting a bright future ahead.
The Pirates might consider shortening Skenes' starts rather than skipping them to manage his workload. This approach would allow him to finish what has thus far looked like a Rookie of the Year season. As Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel note, "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."
A Rising Star
Skenes' journey to the majors has been nothing short of meteoric. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, he was a standout performer for the national-champion LSU Tigers last season, where he threw 129 1/3 innings as the team's ace. His collegiate performance set the stage for what has been an equally impressive rookie season with the Pirates.
Such a rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed. Skenes was given the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, a testament to his talent and impact on the field. His presence is a rare bright spot for a Pirates team that has had its share of struggles this season.
The Pirates' Struggles
As of this week, the Pirates find themselves seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central. They are currently 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, a daunting gap to overcome as the season progresses. Despite the challenges, Skenes' performances have provided fans with moments of excitement and anticipation.
Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel emphasize Skenes' value not just as a player but also as a draw for the team: "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates."
As Skenes continues to rack up innings and strikeouts, his development will be crucial not only for his career but also for the Pirates' future. The decision to potentially shorten his starts is a balanced approach to ensure his longevity and sustained impact on the mound.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates' season may not be turning out as hoped, but Paul Skenes remains a highlight, offering a glimpse of what the future holds. With his remarkable statistics and consistent performances, he has proven to be a cornerstone around which the Pirates can build. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on this exceptionally talented rookie, who is already making his mark in the major leagues.