PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Coming off a bounce-back start at AA Altoona, the Pirates are shutting first-overall pick Paul Skenes for the season.
'We're excited and encouraged by the positive things Paul has been able to accomplish in his short time in the Pirates organization," said Bucs GM Ben Cherington in a release. "He checked all of the boxes we aimed for him to check during the 2023 season."
"The goal now is to focus on a complete off-season in preparation for his first full professional year in 2024."
The 6'6", 21-year-old made five starting appearances in pro baseball after helping LSU win the national championship.
· August 10-rookie ball-1 inning, no runs, no hits or walks and a strikeout
· August 15-Low A Bradenton-1 innings, hit, no runs or walks, two strikeouts
· August 20-Low A Bradenton-2 innings, no runs, no hits or walks, 2 strikeouts
· August 26-AA Altoona-0.2 innings, 4 runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
· September 1-AA Altoona-3 innings, hit, no walks or runs, 4 strikeouts
Overall, four runs allowed in 6.2 innings with a pair of walks and 10 strikeouts in 2023. It's not known where he might start the 2024 season or if the Pirates have plans to give him a shot at the MLB rotation in training camp.
