Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton has announced that top prospect Paul Skenes is not yet ready for a call-up to the major leagues, despite the excitement surrounding his potential.
Pittsburgh Pirates fans may have to wait a little bit longer to see Paul Skenes pitch for their team this season as manager Derek Shelton said he’s not yet ready to be called up.
Shelton said Monday that Skenes’ is next start is "scheduled" for Triple-A Indianapolis this weekend and that they have not talked about him starting for the Pirates "in any form or fashion."
"Trying to live in a speculative world and everybody trying to figure out what is going to happen. That is putting time and energy into something we should not focus on," Shelton added, via Audacy’s 93.7 The Fan.
Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, got Pirates fans excited on Sunday when she posted a Skenes Pirates jersey on her SnapChat account.
But as the hype train began, his start at Triple-A Indianapolis didn’t exactly go as planned. He allowed his first home run in the minors to Buffalo Bisons’ Will Robertson. He ended up striking out four batters and was pulled after 66 pitches.
Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates warms up during a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on February 29, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)"We talk about boxes being checked, and today would be another one," Pirates general manager Ben Cherington told the station on Sunday. "It's the first time, as a professional ... that he'll be starting a game on four days' rest. It may not seem like a big deal, but it is the first time it'll happen, and it's another box to check. He's been checking just about every box since the season started and responding incredibly well."
Skenes was the first pick last year after going 13-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts while leading LSU to the NCAA title.
Shelton's comments come as a surprise to some, as Skenes has been impressive in his starts for Indianapolis this season. In four starts, he has a 2.08 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and only three walks.
However, Shelton is likely taking a cautious approach with Skenes, who is still only 21 years old. The Pirates want to make sure that he is fully developed before he is called up to the majors.
"We're not going to rush him," Shelton said. "We want to make sure he's ready for the big leagues."
For now, Pirates fans will have to be patient and wait for Skenes to make his MLB debut. However, based on his performance in the minors, it is clear that he has the potential to be a star in the majors.
In the meantime, Skenes will continue to develop and gain experience in the minors. He will likely be called up to the majors at some point this season, but the Pirates are not going to rush him.
