The Pittsburgh Pirates have a gem in rookie right-hander Paul Skenes, and they have no plans to shut him down as the season progresses. As the Pirates navigate through a challenging season, Skenes stands out as a beacon of hope for the franchise and its fans.
Uncapped Potential
At 22 years old, Skenes is showcasing remarkable talent and stamina on the mound. Since his arrival in Pittsburgh in early May, he has been consistently impressive, making 16 starts and averaging over six innings per game with around 98 pitches. Highlighting his capacity for endurance, Skenes hit a season-high 107 pitches during a game against the New York Mets on July 5.
Despite the rigors of a major league schedule, there is no set innings limit for Skenes in 2024. This decision symbolizes the Pirates' confidence in his abilities and represents a commitment to his ongoing development. Compared to other young pitchers, Skenes seems almost impervious to the usual fatigue, having logged 98 innings already at the big-league level with a solid 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP.
A Season to Remember
While the Pirates struggle, sitting seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central, Skenes' performances offer a silver lining. He has racked up 121 strikeouts, a number that speaks volumes about his dominance on the mound. Skenes also earned the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, underscoring his exceptional talent.
His success this season is not surprising to those who followed his collegiate career. Skenes was a linchpin for the LSU Tigers, throwing 129 1/3 innings in their national championship-winning season. Including his collegiate stats, Skenes has amassed a total of 125 1/3 innings this year. At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, he certainly has the physical presence to handle the demands of a long season.
Managing Workload
The Pirates are taking a prudent approach to managing Skenes' workload. "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," according to Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel. This strategy reflects the Pirates' desire to protect their young ace while still allowing him to contribute consistently to the team's efforts on the field.
Future Outlook
Though the Pirates find themselves 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, Skenes’ presence on the mound brings hope. As Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel noted, "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates." His performances make it clear that he’s a cornerstone in the Pirates’ future plans, providing a crucial building block for seasons to come.
In a season where much has gone awry for Pittsburgh, Paul Skenes is emerging as a bright spot, a symbol of what could be a promising future. As he continues to take the mound, Pirates fans can take solace in knowing they have a rising star who could very well be the face of the franchise for years to come.