As the Pittsburgh Pirates navigate through a challenging season, the specter of rookie sensation Paul Skenes continues to be a bright spot. Despite occupying last place in the National League Central and sitting 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, the team has made it clear: there are no plans to shut down their prodigious right-hander.
A Season of Promise
Skenes, standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, has been nothing short of remarkable since making his way to Pittsburgh in early May. The 22-year-old has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the mound over 16 starts, averaging over six innings and approximately 98 pitches per outing. His performance peaked on July 5, when he threw a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets.
Over these starts, Skenes has compiled 98 innings of work at the major-league level, boasting a commendable 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. His dominance is further underscored by his impressive tally of 121 strikeouts. These numbers not only highlight his talent but also mark him as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.
Managing an Exceptional Talent
Despite his substantial workload, there are no firm innings limits placed on Skenes for 2024. The Pirates are mindful of his pitch count and overall innings, considering options to shorten some of his starts instead of skipping them entirely. This approach is designed to ensure that he can finish the season strong without compromising his future performance.
As reported 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."
A Star in the Making
Drawing crowds even during a tough season, Skenes' presence on the mound is a beacon for the Pirates. His allure isn't just limited to Pittsburgh, as he showcased his skills on a national stage by starting the All-Star Game for the National League. This feat alone places him among the elite young talents in baseball.
The admiration and anticipation surrounding Skenes aren't unfounded. Prior to his debut with the Pirates, he was a pivotal member of the LSU Tigers, helping them secure the national championship last season. Over his collegiate career, he pitched an impressive 129 1/3 innings as LSU’s ace.
Looking Ahead
With 125 1/3 innings pitched this season, including his time with LSU, Skenes has proven his durability and effectiveness. Though the Pirates currently find themselves seven games below .500, the future appears promising with Skenes in their roster.
The narrative surrounding Skenes is one of hope and excitement for the Pirates' faithful. As Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel observed, "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates."
In a season marred by losses, Paul Skenes stands as a testament to what the future holds for Pittsburgh. His talent and poise on the mound provide a glimmer of hope, and as he continues to hone his craft, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eagerly anticipating what this young phenom will achieve next.