Pirates Rookie Paul Skenes Shines in Debut Season

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is set to make his final start of an extraordinary rookie season at Yankee Stadium. Despite initially being disappointed with starting the season in Triple-A, Skenes acknowledges that the Pirates' careful management of his workload was essential for his stellar performance, which includes an 11-3 record, a 1.99 ERA, and 167 strikeouts. Skenes made an immediate impact upon his MLB debut, striking out top hitters and even starting the All-Star game. Looking forward to 2025, Skenes hopes to pitch with fewer restrictions. His performance has made him a strong candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year. The Pirates' strategy of extra rest days and gradual buildup was pivotal in his success.