Despite the Pittsburgh Pirates’ overall struggles this season, rookie pitcher Paul Skenes continues to shine brightly. Skenes has set a new franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie pitcher, achieving 151 strikeouts so far this season, according to ESPN.
On Monday, Skenes took the mound in a game against the Miami Marlins, leading the Pirates to a 3-2 victory. He struck out nine batters in another impressive performance, marking his 10th win of the season.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised Skenes’ exceptional talent, saying, “I think that just goes to the quality of his stuff. This kid’s got elite stuff, and he’s going to strike out a lot of people throughout his career.”
With the Pirates’ season record now at 68-76, the team has been unable to sustain early optimism, particularly after a disappointing August. Nonetheless, Skenes has emerged as a bright spot amid the team’s challenges.
Paul Skenes, who was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of LSU, has been a standout since joining the league. His performance has garnered significant attention, including a starting role in the National League’s All-Star game this year. Skenes is a strong contender for the NL Rookie of the Year award.
Skenes has surpassed the previous record for strikeouts by a Pirates rookie, which was held by Cy Blanton since 1935. He is also one of only four rookies to achieve 150 strikeouts in 20 starts or fewer. The others who have reached this milestone include Kerry Wood, Dwight Gooden, and Mark Prior, placing Skenes in esteemed company.
Skenes’ impressive performances have won him the admiration of fans in Pittsburgh. On Monday, he was met with a standing ovation from the crowd after finishing the sixth inning. Reflecting on the experience, Skenes said, “That’s pretty dang cool every time. So, yeah, just keep showing up for the games. And hopefully, I mean, the goal is to keep giving them moments like that.”
While the season has not gone as planned for the Pirates, the emergence of Paul Skenes as a dominant force on the mound provides a glimmer of hope and excitement for the future. His continued success and potential make him a key player to watch as he builds his career in Major League Baseball.