The Pittsburgh Pirates are taking a measured approach with their prized rookie, Paul Skenes. Despite a challenging season that finds the team languishing in last place in the National League Central and seven games below .500, the Pirates have no intention of shutting down their 22-year-old right-hander, who has shown immense promise.
Paul Skenes, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs 235 pounds, has already made a significant impact since his arrival in Pittsburgh in early May. Boasting a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP over 98 innings pitched at the big-league level, Skenes has racked up 121 strikeouts, indicating his dominance on the mound. His performance has been so impressive that he earned the starting nod for the National League in the All-Star Game, underscoring his talent and poise.
A Stellar Debut Season
Skenes' debut season features not just individual accolades but also consistency and endurance. Over his 16 starts for the Pirates, he averages over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches. On July 5, he even hit a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets, showcasing his stamina and reliability. His robust performance has made him an essential figure in the Pirates' rotation, despite the team's overall struggles.
Managing Skenes' Workload
While there is no set innings limit for Skenes in 2024, the Pirates are considering strategies to manage his workload carefully. Rather than skipping his starts entirely, the team might opt to shorten some 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,” noted sportswriters Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
Given Skenes' extensive college workload—where he pitched 129 1/3 innings as the ace for the national-champion LSU Tigers—it's crucial for the Pirates to balance his development with his health. Including his collegiate innings, Skenes has already worked 125 1/3 innings this season, a substantial load for a rookie pitcher.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the team's current standing, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding Skenes. "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 highlighted. His presence on the mound not only boosts ticket sales but also gives the Pirates a cornerstone to build around as they look to return to contention.
With the Pirates sitting 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, Skenes' development into a reliable starting pitcher could be a critical component of the team’s long-term strategy. His poise, talent, and work ethic suggest he could be a linchpin in whatever future success the franchise achieves.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Pirates navigate the delicate balancing act of nurturing Skenes' immense potential while ensuring his long-term health and effectiveness. For a franchise in need of bright spots, Paul Skenes represents a beacon of promise.