Paul Skenes: A Rising Star in Pittsburgh
In a season filled with ups and downs for the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie pitcher Paul Skenes has been a beacon of hope. The 22-year-old right-hander has had a remarkable debut in the major leagues after making his first start in early May. With no plans to shut him down, Skenes is set to continue his impressive run through the 2024 season.
One of the most striking aspects of Skenes’ rookie campaign has been his stamina and consistency. In just 16 starts, Skenes averages over six innings per outing and approximately 98 pitches. This durability was showcased on July 5, when he reached a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets. His performance has been pivotal for the Pirates, and he's showing no signs of slowing down.
So far, Skenes has pitched 98 innings at the big-league level, boasting a stellar 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. With 121 strikeouts to his name, his dominance on the mound is undeniable. It’s no wonder he was chosen to start the All-Star Game for the National League, a significant accolade for any rookie.
Skenes’ journey to the majors has been nothing short of extraordinary. Before joining the Pirates, he was the ace for the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he threw 129 1/3 innings last season. This experience has undoubtedly prepared him for the rigors of Major League Baseball. Combining his LSU innings with his current season, Skenes has worked a total of 125 1/3 innings in 2024.
Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Skenes has the physical attributes that make him a formidable presence on the mound. His size and skill set have made him a box-office draw, even for a Pirates team that has struggled this season. As 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."
The Pirates, currently seven games below .500 and sitting in last place in the National League Central, are in a challenging position. They are 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, making postseason hopes slim. Despite the team's struggles, Skenes’ performances provide a silver lining and a reason for fans to remain hopeful.
As the Pirates navigate through these difficulties, they might consider adjusting Skenes’ workload to ensure he remains effective and healthy. Any attempt to lessen his workload, however, would reportedly come in shortening some starts rather than skipping them entirely. This strategy allows him to continue contributing to what has been a Rookie of the Year-caliber season, while also managing wear and tear on his arm. "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," add Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel.
With an eye on the future, the Pirates' management appears committed to integrating Skenes as a cornerstone of the team. His remarkable statistics, combined with his potential for growth, make him a crucial figure in the Pirates’ long-term plans. The focus on Skenes’ continued development without imposing strict innings limits suggests that Pittsburgh is fully invested in nurturing their young star.
In conclusion, Paul Skenes is more than just a rookie sensation; he is a symbol of hope for a team in transition. As he continues to make headlines and draw fans, the Pirates can take solace in the fact that they have a burgeoning talent capable of leading the franchise in the years to come.