Skenes calm and ready for big debut with Pirates

It wasn't the big, elaborate call-up you'd expect for a debut as anticipated as Paul Skenes.

Triple-A Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez told the 2023 first overall draft pick he was heading to Pittsburgh over the phone.

Skenes said he has three missed calls and a text and when he finally got on the phone with Perez.

"Are you really going to make me look for another pitcher on Saturday," Perez asked a confused Skenes.

"I'm like I don't know, am I?" asked Skenes.

"Yeah you are, because you're headed to The Show," said Perez.

Skenes makes his MLB debut at PNC Park on Saturday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs and a large crowd is expected.

You wouldn't know it by talking to him, but Skenes' debut is the most anticipated since Stephen Strasburg's with the Washington Nationals in 2010, when he struck out 14 Pirates.

"I do my best not to see any of it, but it's' unavoidable at the same time, you're going to have to see some of it, so the biggest thing is just showing up and working and taking it a day at a time," said Skenes.

The starting rotation has been a bright spot for the Pirates with their offense struggling. Skenes says he's been watching as a fan for the past month or so.

"It's been really fun to watch," said Skenes. Even with the recent struggles, Skenes still believes the Pirates are close to breaking out and being successful.

He also talked about the team waiting to bring him up to the Major Leagues and wanting to build him up.

He says he feels like he's been ready since the end of the offseason, but also understands you can't show up to Spring Training and throw seven-plus innings.

"I didn't really know what to expect, I kinda knew that once the buildup had finished that it could happen but didn't really know exactly when that buildup was going to finish," said Skenes.

It's been a whirlwind the past couple years for Skenes but he says he takes a few moments when he can to look back and appreciate his journey.

He hopes he can take a moment on Saturday to reflect for a few moments before he begins his Major League career.