Pittsburgh Pirates fans eager to see pitcher Paul Skenes in action may have to wait a bit longer, as manager Derek Shelton stated that he is not yet ready to be called up to the team. Shelton explained that Skenes is scheduled to start for Triple-A Indianapolis this weekend and they have not discussed him joining the Pirates. Shelton emphasized that it is not productive to speculate on Skenes’ future and that the team is focusing on other priorities. Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, added to the excitement by posting a photo of a Skenes Pirates jersey on her SnapChat account.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Skenes potentially joining the Pirates, his recent start at Triple-A Indianapolis did not go as planned. During the game, Skenes gave up his first home run in the minors to Will Robertson of the Buffalo Bisons. Despite this, he managed to strike out four batters before being pulled after 66 pitches. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington commented on Skenes’ performance, noting that it was the first time he had started a game on four days’ rest as a professional. Cherington highlighted Skenes’ ability to consistently meet expectations and respond well to challenges throughout the season.
Skenes, who was the first pick last year after an impressive record at LSU, has been making significant progress since the season began. His dominance on the mound during college, where he recorded a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts while leading LSU to an NCAA title, has raised expectations among fans and the team management. Despite the setbacks in his recent outing at Triple-A Indianapolis, Skenes has been meeting various milestones and proving that he has the potential to thrive in the professional baseball world.
The excitement surrounding Skenes potentially joining the Pirates was further fueled by his girlfriend’s social media post, which drew attention to his talent and potential in the sport. However, manager Derek Shelton emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and not getting caught up in speculation about Skenes’ future with the team. Shelton’s comments underscored the team’s commitment to the development and progression of its players, ensuring that they are fully prepared for each opportunity that comes their way.
As Skenes continues to impress with his performances and make progress in his professional career, Pirates fans eagerly await his potential debut with the team. While there may be some delays in his call-up, Skenes’ journey and development are closely monitored by the team management and fans alike. With his college success and consistency in meeting challenges, Skenes has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Pittsburgh Pirates and make a significant impact on the field.
