In a recent game against the Miami Marlins, Pirates rookie Paul Skenes made franchise history by striking out nine batters over six innings. This impressive performance brought his total number of strikeouts for the year to 151, setting a new record for the Pirates. The 22-year-old right-hander showed his dominance on the mound by allowing just one run on six hits while throwing his fastball up to 100 mph six times. Skenes now joins the ranks of Kerry Wood, Dwight Gooden, and Mark Prior as one of the few rookies to reach 150 strikeouts in 20 starts or fewer. This achievement speaks to the quality of his pitching and the potential for a successful career ahead.
Despite his record-breaking strikeouts, Skenes’s pitching efficiency has been called into question. It took him 98 pitches to record 18 outs, and he only retired the Marlins in order once during the game. While he managed to avoid major trouble on the mound, there is room for improvement in terms of pitch count and inning management. However, Pirates manager Derek Shelton remains confident in Skenes’s abilities and believes that his talent will shine through as he continues to develop.
Skenes’s rapid rise to success has been a bright spot for the struggling Pirates team. Despite a disappointing August that dashed their postseason hopes, Skenes has continued to deliver strong performances on the mound. He has shown versatility in his pitching approach, incorporating a variety of pitches to keep hitters off balance. Additionally, his introduction of the “splinker,” a combination of a sinker and splitter, has added a new dimension to his pitching repertoire. With his impressive strikeout numbers and ability to adapt to different situations, Skenes has positioned himself as a contender for National League Rookie of the Year.
Recognizing the importance of protecting Skenes’s health in his first full year as a professional, the Pirates have been strategic in spacing out his appearances. As he approaches the 150-inning mark between Triple-A and the majors, Skenes remains confident in his ability to handle a heavier workload. While there may be a limit to the number of innings he pitches this year, Skenes believes that he is conditioned to go the distance. With the support of his team and careful monitoring of his innings, Skenes looks forward to finishing the season strong and making a lasting impact in the Pirates’ rotation.
Paul Skenes’s record-breaking performance and remarkable rise in the Pirates organization highlight his potential as a standout pitcher in the league. While there are areas for improvement in terms of efficiency and workload management, Skenes’s talent and dedication to the game set him apart as a promising young player to watch. As he continues to hone his skills and grow as a pitcher, Skenes will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the Pirates and the MLB as a whole.