During the last decade or so, there hasn’t been lots for followers
of the Pittsburgh Pirates to be thrilled about. Whereas the staff had some success
within the mid-2010s, making the playoffs three straight years, the Pirates
have had only one successful season since then. Because of this the emergence of rookie
pitcher Paul Skenes has been so thrilling.
Whereas he has solely began 20 video games, Skenes is having a
phenomenal 12 months. His document sits at 10-2 and he has racked up 151 strikeouts in 120
innings and his 2.10 ERA can be far and away one of the best within the league if he
certified to be on the leaderboard. Skenes can be solely the second pitcher in MLB historical past
to have a number of begins giving up no hits and placing out a minimum of 11 batters in
a single season. The primary pitcher who achieved the feat was Nolan Ryan.
It’s as a result of Skenes has been one of many few vivid spots
for the Pirates this 12 months that the group ought to do the good factor and shut him
down. The membership at the moment sits in final place of their division and is 10 video games
out of a wild-card spot getting into play on Wednesday, which means any postseason aspirations are just about over.
The Pirates ought to be significantly cautious as a result of — like Ryan — Skenes throws quite a lot of warmth. His fastball averages within the higher 90s and he has topped 100 mph many occasions this summer time. MLB historical past is riddled with gamers who began out like a home afire, solely to show into trainwrecks as a result of accidents. Look no additional than the New York Mets to see how briskly promising pitchers can fall as soon as the dreaded Tommy John surgical procedure is introduced into the equation.
The Pirates have a younger staff and their future seems to be very promising. And, because the Royals have confirmed, it doesn’t should
take years to construct a contender, as the fitting strikes can convey a staff out of the
basement in fast order. Skenes has given Bucs followers one thing to smile
about, but when he have been to get damage in a meaningless sport on the finish of a dropping
season, no one can be completely happy.
