In what has been a season marked by both promising young talent and consistent struggles, the Pittsburgh Pirates show no intentions of shutting down their standout rookie, Paul Skenes. The organization has made it clear that there are no plans to impose a strict innings limit on the 22-year-old right-hander for the 2024 season.
Skeens, who joined the Pirates in early May, has quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the mound. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound pitcher has made 16 starts, demonstrating both stamina and skill. Averaging over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches, Skenes has shown he can handle significant workloads. Notably, he reached a season-high of 107 pitches against the New York Mets on July 5.
With 98 innings pitched at the big-league level, Skenes boasts a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, racking up 121 strikeouts along the way. These impressive stats contributed to his starting the All-Star Game for the National League, adding further accolades to his burgeoning career.
Potential Adjustments
Given his heavy usage, the Pirates might consider adjusting Skenes' outings as the season progresses. "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 Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
This strategy speaks volumes about the Pirates' confidence in Skenes' abilities and their recognition of his importance to the team's future. As a member of last season's national-champion LSU Tigers, where he logged 129 1/3 innings as the ace, Skenes has proven he has the durability to sustain a demanding schedule.
The Bigger Picture
However, the Pirates' overall performance this season has been less than stellar. Entering Monday's slate at seven games below .500 and occupying the last place in the National League Central, the team finds itself 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot. Despite these challenges, Skenes provides a beacon of hope.
The future does indeed look bright for Skenes, who remains a box-office draw even amid the Pirates' flagging circumstances. "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates," reiterated Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel.
Seasonal Highlights and Outlook
In addition to his All-Star appearance, Skenes has delivered numerous standout performances that hint at a promising career ahead. His consistent command and overpowering pitch arsenal make him a challenging matchup for any opponent. As he accumulates experience and continues to refine his skills, the sky appears to be the limit for this young phenom.
With 125 1/3 innings under his belt this season, including his time with LSU, Skenes has shown that he can handle the rigors of a professional pitching schedule. The Pirates' decision to potentially shorten his starts instead of skipping them is a strategic move to manage his workload while maximizing his impact on the field.
As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on Skenes to see how he continues to develop. His performance could not only serve as a cornerstone for the Pirates' rebuilding efforts but also as a source of inspiration for the team and its fan base.
In a season where victories have been hard to come by, Paul Skenes stands as a symbol of hope and a testament to the potential that lies within the Pittsburgh Pirates' future. His journey is just beginning, and if this season is any indication, it promises to be a remarkable one.