Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher, has been making headlines with his impressive performance in his first two months in Major League Baseball. Despite starting the season in the minors, Skenes has quickly become a standout player, earning a spot in the 2024 MLB All-Star game.
One of the most notable aspects of Skenes’ performance has been his ability to dominate opposing batters with his split-finger fastball. Since his debut in May, hitters have only managed to hit .157 against this pitch, making it one of the most effective pitches in baseball. Additionally, Skenes’ splitter has an average velocity of 94.1 mph, the highest among all MLB starters.
Skenes has also made history as the only player in the modern era to have multiple games with 6-plus innings pitched and zero hits allowed as a rookie. His impressive stats, including a 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts in his first 11 starts, have drawn comparisons to legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan.
Furthermore, Skenes’ consistency on the mound is evident in his ability to record 7-plus strikeouts in eight consecutive starts, setting a Pirates franchise record. He has also delivered a quality start in 82% of his appearances this season, the highest mark in baseball.
With a fastball that averages 99.1 mph and the potential to finish the season with an ERA under 2.00, Skenes is poised to make a significant impact in the league. If he achieves this feat, he would be the first Pirates starter since 1919 to accomplish such a remarkable performance.
Overall, Paul Skenes’ incredible first half performance has solidified his position as a rising star in Major League Baseball, and fans are eagerly anticipating his future success on the field.