In a season that's seen its fair share of ups and downs for the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie sensation Paul Skenes has been a consistent bright spot. The 22-year-old right-hander, who stands a towering 6-foot-6 and weighs 235 pounds, has impressed both fans and analysts with his performance on the mound since joining the big-league club in early May.
No Plans to Limit Skenes' Innings
Despite the Pirates' challenging season, currently sitting seven games below .500 and in last place in the National League Central, the team has no plans to shut down their budding star. Skenes, who has a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP through 98 innings, has no set innings limit for the 2024 season. In addition to his superb control, he has racked up 121 strikeouts, showcasing why he was chosen to start the All-Star Game for the National League.
Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel reported, "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." This pragmatic approach indicates that the Pirates are keen to balance the need to protect their young pitcher's arm while still benefiting from his exceptional talent.
A Calculated Approach to Managing Workload
Skenes has made 16 starts for the Pirates, averaging over six innings per start and approximately 98 pitches. His season-high came on July 5, when he threw 107 pitches against the New York Mets. Specifically, shortening starts rather than skipping them could keep Skenes effective without overburdening him, a strategy that likely aims to preserve his health for the long term.
The decision to be cautious yet strategic with Skenes isn't unprecedented, especially considering his history. As the ace of last season's national-champion LSU Tigers, Skenes logged 129 1/3 innings. Including his time with LSU, he has pitched 125 1/3 innings this season.
A Bright Spot in a Tough Season
For the Pirates, the emergence of a talent like Skenes couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. Currently 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, the team needs all the help it can get. Yet, there's a broader, more intangible value Skenes offers. Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel aptly noted, "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates."
The Pirates' faithful have had little to cheer about this season, but watching Skenes carve up opposing lineups has provided a glimpse of what could be a brighter future. He offers hope and excitement, critical ingredients for a fan base hungry for success.
Looking Ahead
Skenes’ performance, undoubtedly, serves as an encouraging sign for the Pirates' long-term prospects. While this season may not culminate in a playoff berth, the development and showcase of a potential ace could pay dividends in the seasons to come. The coaching staff's ability to manage his workload will be crucial in ensuring Skenes remains effective and healthy.
As the season progresses, both the front office and fans will be watching closely to see how Skenes adapts and continues to perform under the spotlight. His achievements thus far suggest that he is more than ready to meet the challenge and provide the Pirates with a cornerstone to build upon for the future.
For now, Skenes will continue to toe the rubber, offering Pirates fans a reason to tune in and a glimmer of hope for better days ahead. His rookie season might indeed have "looked like a Rookie of the Year season" already, but for Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates, this appears to be just the beginning.