Pirates Keep Paul Skenes in Rotation Amidst Challenging Season
The Pittsburgh Pirates are navigating a difficult season, but their commitment to rookie sensation Paul Skenes remains unwavering. Despite occupying last place in the National League Central and standing seven games below .500, the Pirates have made it clear that they have no intentions of shutting down the 22-year-old right-hander.
Skenes has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Pirates' pitching staff since his arrival in early May. In a mere 16 starts, he has showcased remarkable consistency and stamina, averaging over six innings and approximately 98 pitches per outing. The pinnacle of his performance came on July 5, when he threw a season-high 107 pitches against the New York Mets.
With 98 innings pitched at the big-league level, Skenes has posted impressive metrics, including a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP. His 121 strikeouts further underscore his dominance on the mound. Given this level of output, the Pirates are wisely opting to continue his development, albeit with some strategic adjustments.
"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," wrote Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel. This approach allows Skenes to maintain his rhythm and presence in the rotation, while mitigating the risk of overworking their star rookie.
Prior to joining the Pirates, Skenes was a pivotal figure for the national-champion LSU Tigers, throwing 129 1/3 innings as their ace. Including his collegiate workload, Skenes has accumulated 125 1/3 innings this season. His transition from college to Major League Baseball appears seamless, setting a strong foundation for his burgeoning career.
The Pirates' decision to keep Skenes active comes at a time when the team is struggling to remain competitive. They find themselves 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot. Despite the team's struggles, the future looks promising with Skenes at the helm.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Skenes cuts an imposing figure on the mound, and his talents have not gone unnoticed. He not only started the All-Star Game for the National League but has also proven to be a significant draw for fans.
"The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates," noted Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel. Amidst a season of trials, Skenes provides a glimmer of hope and excitement for Pittsburgh’s faithful.
As the season progresses, the Pirates will need to balance Skenes' development with the preservation of his health. The team's strategy of potentially shortening his starts appears to be a prudent approach, ensuring that they can count on their young star for the long haul.
In a year where victories have been hard to come by, the emergence of Paul Skenes offers a silver lining. The Pirates' faith in his continued presence on the mound speaks volumes about their confidence in his abilities and his significance to the team's future.