The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up their top prospect, Paul Skenes, from Triple-A Indianapolis for his major league debut on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs. Skenes, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of LSU, has been eagerly anticipated by Pirates fans since the start of the season. Despite a solid spring training, the Pirates decided to start him in Triple-A before bringing him up to the big leagues.
Skenes’ girlfriend, social media sensation and LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, has been leading the hype for his call-up. She hinted at the news by posting a photo of a Pirates jersey with Skenes’ number on her SnapChat account, sparking speculation among fans. Skenes made his final Triple-A start against the Buffalo Bisons, giving up his first home run of the year but still impressing with four strikeouts before being pulled after 66 pitches.
Despite Monday’s hiccup, Skenes has been dominating the competition at Triple-A with a 0.99 ERA over his first seven starts. He has only allowed three earned runs and 17 hits over 27⅓ innings, striking out 45 batters while walking eight. Skenes’ impressive performance has also earned him the title of the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com. His success during LSU’s College World Series run in 2023 solidified his status as the Pirates’ top prospect.
With all eyes on Skenes as he makes his major league debut, baseball fans everywhere will be watching to see how he performs on the biggest stage in the sport. The Pirates are excited to see what Skenes can do at the next level and hope he can live up to the hype surrounding his talent. As Skenes takes the field at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, his girlfriend, Olivia Dunne, and Pirates fans alike will be cheering him on as he begins his journey in the major leagues.
While there is pressure on Skenes to perform well in his debut, the Pirates have confidence in his abilities and are eager to see him translate his success from Triple-A to the major league level. Skenes’ dominant performance in the minor leagues, as well as his track record of success at LSU, have positioned him as a promising talent for the Pirates and a player to watch in the future of baseball. As Skenes steps onto the field for his major league debut, the excitement and anticipation surrounding his arrival will undoubtedly be felt by fans and players alike.
