In a season where the Pittsburgh Pirates have grappled with adversity, one of their brightest spots has been the emergence of rookie phenom Paul Skenes. The 22-year-old right-hander has demonstrated his prowess on the mound, and despite the Pirates’ struggles, there are no plans to shut him down.
Since arriving in the Steel City in early May, Skenes has made 16 starts, consistently turning heads with his performances. Averaging over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches, he has certainly been a workhorse for Pittsburgh. On July 5, against the New York Mets, he reached a season-high 107 pitches—an indication of the trust the coaching staff has in their young star.
In total, Skenes has pitched 98 innings at the big-league level, showcasing a stellar 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. His impressive command has also led to an eye-popping 121 strikeouts. These statistics highlight why he was chosen to start for the National League in the All-Star Game, a testament to his immediate impact and shining potential.
The Road to Stardom
Before his time with the Pirates, Skenes was a key player for the LSU Tigers, the national champions. As LSU's ace, he threw 129 1/3 innings, a critical contributor to their title run. This season, including his collegiate workload, he has logged 125 1/3 innings, adding depth and experience beyond his years.
Despite these heavy innings, the Pirates have no intention of setting a strict innings limit for Skenes in 2024. "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.
Pirates' Struggles
While Skenes has been a beacon of hope, the Pirates collectively have not fared as well. Entering Monday’s slate, the team was seven games below .500, languishing in last place in the National League Central. They find themselves 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, a deficit that feels ever-growing as the season progresses.
The Pirates' management might consider shortening Skenes' starts moving forward. Such a strategy could help preserve his arm while allowing him to continue gaining valuable experience. This approach speaks volumes about how the franchise values his contribution not just now, but for the future as well.
A Star in the Making
Skenes stands tall at 6-foot-6 and weighs 235 pounds. His physical presence on the mound is as imposing as his statistical performance. The Pirates and their fanbase have every reason to be excited. "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates," Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel collectively affirmed.
Moving forward, the Pirates' decision to keep Skenes active is a calculated one. They acknowledge his potential impact on their long-term success and his role as a cornerstone for the team's future. While the current season may not culminate in a playoff berth, the experience garnered by Skenes and the faith invested in him could pay dividends in seasons to come.
In a sport where the grind of the season can wear down even the most seasoned players, Paul Skenes has risen to the occasion, proving his mettle day in and day out. The Pirates' faithful can look forward to more dazzling performances from their rookie sensation, a beacon of bright days ahead even in a challenging season.