The Pittsburgh Pirates used the 2023 No. 1 overall pick on right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes, and they have to be excited with what they have seen so far from him in the minor leagues. It is also getting to a point where the Pirates have to seriously consider giving him a call to the major leagues.
Skenes is still working on building up his arm strength and pitching on a professional rotation, but he isn’t even getting anything resembling a challenge in Triple-A.
Skenes made his fourth start of the season on Thursday night and struck out eight more batters in 3.1 innings, while also allowing just one hit and two walks.
For the season, he has pitched 12.2 innings, not allowed a single run, allowed just nine base runners (five hits, four walks) and struck out 27 batters. He does it while consistently throwing between 100 and 102 mph.