Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes: A Rising Star with No Limits
Paul Skenes, a promising 22-year-old right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been turning heads since his early May arrival, and there are no plans to shut down this rookie sensation. With 16 starts under his belt, Skenes has shown remarkable endurance, averaging over six innings per outing and approximately 98 pitches per game.
In just a short time, Skenes has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the Pirates' rotation. On July 5, he reached a season-high of 107 pitches in a thrilling matchup against the New York Mets, showcasing both his stamina and competitive edge. Skenes’ current stats are nothing short of impressive: a 2.30 ERA, a 2.91 FIP, and 121 strikeouts across 98 innings at the big-league level.
What makes Skenes particularly noteworthy is the Pirates' approach to managing his workload. There is no set innings limit for him in 2024, suggesting a confidence in his durability and adaptability. "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," report Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
The Pirates’ season has been a tumultuous one, as they find themselves seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central. They are currently 7 1/2 games behind the third and final NL wild-card spot, making Skenes’ contributions even more vital as the team faces an uphill battle.
Standing at a commanding 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Skenes brings a physical presence to the mound that matches his statistical dominance. His transition to the majors has been seamless, building on his success from last season with the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he served as the team's ace, throwing 129 1/3 innings. This season, he has accumulated 125 1/3 innings, combining his time with both LSU and the Pirates.
Adding to his growing list of accolades, Skenes had the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, a testament to his emerging star status. The present and future indeed seem exceptionally bright for this young pitcher. As Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel eloquently put it, "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates."
Looking ahead, the Pirates might consider shortening Skenes’ starts to manage his workload, a strategic decision that reflects their investment in his long-term potential. Despite the team’s current struggles, they recognize the immense value Skenes brings both in terms of performance and as a beacon of hope for the franchise.
He has quickly become a fan favorite and a symbol of what the future could hold for Pittsburgh’s cherished but currently beleaguered franchise. Even in a tough season, moments like seeing Skenes perform remind everyone of the sport’s unpredictable and thrilling nature. For now, the Pirates and their fans can relish watching a superstar in the making, knowing that better days might be on the horizon with Skenes leading the charge.