Key Takeaways:
– Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect, is set to make his Major League debut.
– Skenes is known for his ferocious fastball, sweeping slider and ‘splinker’ pitch.
– Skenes’ arrival could galvanise the Pirates’ young and talented mound rotation.
The much-anticipated time has finally landed for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The promising prospect from their fold, Paul Skenes, is all set to test his mettle in the Major Leagues. Known for his power-packed pitching, Skenes is the club’s top draft from the previous year and is now ready to demonstrate his prowess on the national stage.
Skenes, The Power-Armed Ace
The towering 6’6”, 235-pound Skenes is a pitcher’s dream. His dominant fastball consistently touches the triple-digit velocity range. Complementing this raw power is his sweeping slider and an innovative hybrid pitch, jokingly referred to as the ‘splinker’ – a mix between a sinker and a splitter. The ‘splinker’ is particularly effective as it can swerve away from left-handed batters and dash into right-handers while maintaining a formidable mid-90s velocity.
Skenes’ Proven Track Record
Paul Skenes developed his status as a top-tier prospect during his successful college career. His impressive 2.18 ERA combined with a remarkable 36% strikeout rate testify to his extraordinary capabilities. Accomplishing most of his college journey with the Air Force Academy and later with the Louisiana State University, Skenes clenched a national championship with the latter. In his final season, his ERA plummeted to a noteworthy 1.69 across 122 innings, and he struck out nearly half the batters he faced.
Pirates’ Patient Approach to Skenes’ Progress
Despite his gaudy college record suggesting ready-made MLB material, the Pittsburgh Pirates management took a cautious approach when handling Skenes. The team’s general manager, Ben Cherington, in harmony with skipper Derek Shelton, opted for a patient strategy with Skenes. They aimed to gradually stretch his pitching count rather than rushing him into extended outings.
Consequently, even though Skenes has started seven times, his innings per outing are maintained under four. He also hasn’t been allowed to cross the 75-pitch mark in any game, touching beyond 65 in April a solitary time. This slow-and-steady approach ensures Skenes’ long-term preservation and focuses on steadily developing his stamina, critical for future successes.
Skenes, The Triple-A Performer
Notwithstanding a lackluster performance in his final Triple-A start, Skenes flashed his potential in his penultimate outing. On April 30, against the Buffalo Bisons, he clocked a season-best six innings without conceding a single run, allowing only four hits and one walk, while also nabbing seven strikeouts.
Pirates’ Future Outlook
As of now, the Pittsburgh Pirates remain behind the Brewers and Cubs in the NL Central. Nevertheless, the Pirates’ rotation consists of the promising Mitch Keller and rookie Jared Jones. The arrival of Skenes, coupled with consistent top-notch performances by these two, could spur the Pirates closer to division supremacy.
Skenes is expected to join others on the mound in his much-awaited Major League debut on May 11, against the Chicago Cubs. With a promising young pitching trio, the steel city team hopes this addition could be a major boost that propels them towards sustained success.