Paul Skenes gets the call: Former LSU star to make MLB debut
Paul Skenes is heading to the big leagues.
Less than a year after helping LSU to a national title in the College World Series, Skenes will make his MLB debut.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday that Skenes will pitch for the club on Saturday at home in PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs.
5.11.24 pic.twitter.com/fPh1beCkwn
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 8, 2024
Skenes had a sensational 2023 season at LSU. A transfer from Air Force, Skenes tossed 122.2 innings over 19 starts, including 2 complete games. Skenes had the second-best ERA in the NCAA at 1.69. He struck out 209 batters to lead the NCAA and break LSU great Ben McDonald’s single-season record.
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Opposing batters hit just .165 against Skenes in 2023, as he allowed only 72 hits and 20 walks for an NCAA-leading WHIP of 0.75.
In Omaha, Skenes made two CWS starts, going 1-0 with a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with two walks and 21 strikeouts. He added College World Series Most Outstanding Player to his long list of honors, including National Pitcher of the Year, National Player of the Year and the Dick Howser Trophy.
The Pirates drafted Skenes No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.
PS… See you soon. ? pic.twitter.com/r3Uv8vE1qA
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 8, 2024
As many experts expected, Skenes’ stuff has translated well to the professional level. The 6-6 flamethrower has posted a 0.99 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 27.1 innings with AAA Indianapolis.
Skenes’ fastball grades an 80, the highest possible scouting mark. Between the heater and the slider, minor-league hitters have struggled to make contact against Skenes.
No hitters have touched Paul Skenes in college or the minors. This should be a lot of fun ? pic.twitter.com/PSKFhNjPvA
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) May 8, 2024
Pittsburgh could use a jolt to the lineup. The Pirates are 17-21 on the year, 5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for fourth in the NL Central.
Hell yeah. Ball out, Paul!
Good luck to skenes
He was a stud at lsu and should do well.
Is he still dating the gymnast?
“The gymnast” LOL
Ok, buddy, wipe the drool off
Geaux Paul!
I follow the Phillies now because of Nola. I’ll certainly start following the Pirates because of Skenes. Geaux Tigers!!
You follow the Phillies because of an average starting pitcher?
Average? Ok. He makes $24 million a year to be average. Good for him.
” He makes $24 million a year to be average.”
LOL you think that’s what makes a player great. How cute.
The Bravos offered him $27M. But, he stayed with Philly.
“The Bravos offered him $27M. But, he stayed with Philly.”
That’s usually the way it goes. Pitchers in the same division as a rival don’t usually switch sides.
@jtf. i don’t buy that all. that completely goes against how AA has approached FA SPs since taking over in atl. unfortunately, AA is too beyond approach…and whether that calculated rumor was in fact true or not will never be denied or confirmed.
Well AA told Jeff Shultz that they were in negotiations with Nola. He doesn’t say how much they offered. But he had to know the asking price.
I might add that he paid FA Charlie Morton a boatload.
you’re comparing an alleged commitment of $160M for nola to an actual single year club option of $20M for morton. you’re more making my case, than one that anything was truly offered to nola
“I might add that he paid FA Charlie Morton a boatload.”
A boatload? LOL
“He doesn’t say how much they offered. But he had to know the asking price.”
The Braves do not. I REPEAT. DO. NOT. Pay boatloads of money to players.
Way to go, Paul! Geaux Tigers! He will be a dominant MLB pitcher just like Nola!
Nola is 4-2 with a 3.67 ERA. Those are not dominating stats. His best year was 2018. Not sure where you’re getting “dominating MLB pitcher” from.
“He will be a dominant MLB pitcher just like Nola!”
College stats do not transfer over to the MLB.
“The 6-6 flamethrower has posted a 0.99 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 27.1 innings with AAA Indianapolis.”
Tommy John future I see.
Don’t be so upset that no Auburn players get any love or attention…or have the ability to be dominant..
“Don’t be so upset that no Auburn players get any love or attention…or have the ability to be dominant..”
Uh, AU is one of two current SEC schools with a play in the MLB HOF.
Might want to rethink your comment, she/her.
Referring to she/her…you must be looking yourself in the mirror. You poor, misguided, tortured soul.
“or have the ability to be dominant..”
Having the ability to be dominant and being dominant for a long period of time in the MLB is a bit different than college.
Wake me up when he has the career of a Greg Maddux or Pedro Martinez.
Most would just prefer you sleep it off.
“Most would just prefer you sleep it off.”
The voices in your head?
No Mike. Your immaturity speaks for itself.
Ok, Martin.
I have no idea who Martin is, but we know who Mike Vick is. Your hero. How cute, and telling.
He seems like a good guy with a lot of talent – good luck to him, I hope he does well.