The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to navigate the remaining season with a cautious, yet ambitious course for their rookie sensation, Paul Skenes. The 22-year-old right-hander, who made his Major League debut in early May, has swiftly established himself as a cornerstone of the Pirates' rotation. Despite the team's struggles, Skenes' performances have provided a beacon of hope for the franchise.
No Plans for Shutdown
Contrary to what some might expect, the Pirates have no intention of shutting down Skenes, even as the end of the season approaches. While teams often impose innings limits on young pitchers to protect their arms, Skenes faces no such restrictions for 2024. The Pirates are keen to see him continue, albeit with a strategic approach to managing his workload.
According to inside sources, “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 method ensures that Skenes can continue to hone his craft and contribute to the team while preventing overuse.
Strong Performance Metrics
Since donning the Pirates uniform, Skenes has produced impressive numbers. In his 16 starts, he averages over six innings per outing and throws approximately 98 pitches per game. His season-high of 107 pitches came in a standout performance against the New York Mets on July 5. Over 98 innings at the big-league level, Skenes boasts a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, along with racking up 121 strikeouts. These metrics underscore his efficiency and dominance on the mound.
A Plauditory Rookie Season
Skenes' impact is not just numerical. He was chosen to start the All-Star Game for the National League, a testament to his talent and the regard in which he’s held by coaches and fans alike. Coming off a stellar college career with the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he threw 129 1/3 innings as their ace, Skenes has effortlessly transitioned to the Major Leagues.
On a personal front, Skenes has the physical attributes that scouts dream of: standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, he is an imposing presence on the mound. Combining his physical tools with his statistics paints the picture of a player with significant potential.
Managing Workload and Future Prospects
The Pirates might adopt a plan where Skenes' starts are shortened rather than skipped, thus maintaining his presence and influence in games. For a team that currently sits seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central, Skenes is one of few bright spots. The Pirates are 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, a challenging gap to bridge but not an insurmountable one.
As veteran sportswriters Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel note, “The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates.”
Skenes' season totals 125 1/3 innings when his time at LSU is included. This workload, while substantial, reflects his durability and conditioning. The Pirates’ handling of his workload aims to balance his effectiveness with injury prevention, ensuring he remains a central figure in Pittsburgh’s rebuilding plans.
In a city that celebrates its sports heroes, Paul Skenes offers a glimpse into a promising future for Pittsburgh baseball. His remarkable rookie season has set the stage for what could be an illustrious career. While the Pirates may need to manage his innings judiciously, their decision to keep him active in the rotation indicates their faith in his abilities and their focus on development.
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to seeing more of Skenes on the mound, solidifying his status as a foundational piece for the Pirates. The blend of talent, poise, and potential Skenes brings cannot be overstated, and his contributions may soon translate into broader success for the team.