The Pittsburgh Pirates have made it clear: there are no plans to shut down their rookie phenom, Paul Skenes. With no set innings limit for the 22-year-old right-hander in 2024, the Pirates are seemingly ready to ride the wave of his impressive debut season for all it's worth.
Skenes' Stellar Performance
Since arriving in Pittsburgh in early May, Skenes has been a revelation on the mound. Over 16 starts, he has demonstrated a remarkable consistency, averaging over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches. His standout performance came on July 5, when he reached a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets.
With 98 innings pitched at the big-league level, Skenes boasts a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, racking up 121 strikeouts along the way. These numbers are more than just statistics; they illustrate a pitcher who combines control with power, making life difficult for opposition batters.
Skenes' efforts have not gone unnoticed. Not only did he earn the starting nod for the National League in the All-Star Game, but he was also a key figure in LSU's national-champion team last season, where he threw 129 1/3 innings as their ace. His transition from college star to professional standout has been seamless.
Managing Workload
As the season progresses, the Pirates may consider altering Skenes' workload. Instead of skipping starts, there is speculation about shortening some of his outings. "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," stated Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
Such a strategy allows Skenes to continue building on his impressive rookie campaign while also ensuring he remains fresh and effective. Given his imposing stature at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, it’s clear Skenes has both the physical and mental fortitude to handle the rigors of a full MLB season, even if it means adjusting his routine somewhat.
Future Outlook
The Pirates, meanwhile, find themselves in a challenging position in the standings. Entering Monday's slate seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central, they are 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot. Despite the team's struggles, Skenes remains a bright spot and a beacon of hope for the future.
"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 noted. Indeed, Skenes’ presence on the mound has been one of the few constants in a tumultuous season for Pittsburgh.
Conclusion
As the Pirates look towards building a more competitive roster, Paul Skenes represents a cornerstone upon which they can construct their future. His achievements thus far are just a glimpse of what could be a stellar career. While managing his workload will be crucial, there is every reason to believe that Skenes will continue to be a key player for the Pirates, bringing excitement and hope to their fans.