Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching prospect Paul Skenes made an impressive MLB debut, striking out the first two batters he faced and showing off his electric fastball.
Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' top pitching prospect, made a highly anticipated MLB debut on Wednesday night against the Chicago Cubs, showcasing his immense potential with a dominant performance. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out the first two batters he faced, Mike Tauchman and Seiya Suzuki, setting the tone for a promising start.
Skenes, who was taken first overall by the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft, has been dominant in the minors this season, posting a 0.99 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A. His exceptional command and electric fastball have drawn comparisons to some of the most elite pitchers in the league.
In his MLB debut, Skenes topped out at 102 mph with his fastball and showcased a devastating breaking ball. He struck out seven batters in his four-plus innings of work, demonstrating the exceptional talent that has made him one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in baseball.
However, Skenes' debut was not without its blemishes. He allowed six hits, including a solo home run to Nico Hoerner in the fourth inning. He was also pulled from the game in the fifth inning after allowing the first two batters to reach base.
Despite the late-inning struggles, Skenes' talent was evident throughout his performance. He displayed impressive command of his fastball and breaking pitches, keeping the Cubs' hitters off balance and unable to square up the ball consistently.
After striking out seven batters in his first four innings, Skenes' stamina seemed to wane in the fifth. He threw 84 pitches, a season-high, and struggled to find the strike zone consistently. The Cubs capitalized on his fatigue, walking in two runners to tie the game at six before rain forced the game into a delay.
Skenes' performance was a reminder of both his exceptional talent and the challenges he still faces as a young pitcher. Despite allowing three earned runs, his arsenal remained impressive, and he showed glimpses of the dominant pitcher he is capable of becoming.
As the rain delay continues, Skenes' MLB debut remains a tantalizing display of his immense potential. The Pittsburgh Pirates will eagerly await his next start, hoping to see the young star continue to develop and reach his full potential as one of the most exciting pitchers in the league.
