Paul Skenes Continues to Shine for the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates' rookie sensation, Paul Skenes, remains a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. The 22-year-old right-hander has been a consistent force on the mound, and the Pirates have no plans to shut him down despite a demanding season. With no set innings limit for Skenes in 2024, the young pitcher's journey is far from over.
Skenes, who joined the Pirates in early May, has already made 16 starts, averaging over six innings per game and approximately 98 pitches per outing. This workload reached a peak on July 5, when he threw a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets. So far, he has pitched 98 innings at the big-league level, showcasing his endurance and skill.
His impressive statistics don’t stop there. Skenes holds a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP while racking up 121 strikeouts. These numbers have not only positioned him as a standout rookie but also earned him a spot starting the All-Star Game for the National League, a significant accolade for any player, let alone a rookie.
Prior to his professional debut, Skenes was a key player for last season's national-champion LSU Tigers, where he pitched 129 1/3 innings as the ace. Taking into account his time with LSU, Skenes has pitched a total of 125 1/3 innings this season. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Skenes’ physical prowess complements his pitching abilities, making him an intimidating presence on the mound.
Given his heavy workload, there has been consideration from the Pirates to possibly shorten some of Skenes' starts rather than skipping them entirely. As noted by 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." This strategic approach aims to maintain his momentum while preserving his arm health for the future.
Despite Skenes' standout performances, the Pirates have struggled, currently sitting seven games below .500 and occupying last place in the National League Central. They are 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, making a postseason appearance increasingly unlikely.
Nevertheless, Skenes has been a beacon of hope for the Pirates and their fans. As Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel highlighted, "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates." His potential is undeniable, and his performances have provided a much-needed boost to a team seeking resurgence.
Looking ahead, Skenes' continued development will be critical for the Pirates. His ability to navigate the high demands of a major league season will be a test of both his physical and mental resilience. For now, Pirates fans can take solace in knowing that they have a potential star in the making, one who might be the cornerstone of their pitching rotation for years to come.
In a season marred by more losses than wins, Paul Skenes has been a silver lining, bringing excitement and hope to Pittsburgh. As he continues to hone his craft, the Pirates can only look forward to what promises to be a stellar career for their formidable rookie pitcher.