He’s only pitched three innings so far this spring and according to Pirates Post-Gazette insider Jason Mackey, Paul Skenes will not be heading to Pittsburgh to begin the season.
Mackey reports that Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington told Skenes he will start the 2024 season in the minor leagues.
“Cherington says there are boxes Skenes still must check,” said Mackey.
Mackey adds that Skenes will stay with the team in Bradenton for now to “get work in.”
In his second spring appearance, Skenes went two innings. While he gave up a home run to the first batter he faces, he calmed down after that.
He threw 25 strikes out of 32 pitches, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter. He gave up three hits.
The most viral part of Skenes outing was the sound his fastball made hitting the catcher’s glove, as he threw over 100 mph, again, with seeming ease.
There are a few times this season to keep an eye on for when they could call up Skenes.
A few weeks into the season, the Pirates could call up Skenes and have him for an extra year.
If they wait until Super 2 passes they’ll have him an extra year and the Pirates will avoid an extra year of arbitration with Skenes.