The Pirates need a starting pitcher on Friday when they begin a weekend series against the Boston Red Sox, but it won’t be the big name fans are clamoring for, at least not yet.
It won’t be Paul Skenes, the 2023 #1 overall draft pick. He is pitching Thursday night for Triple-A Indianapolis as he continues to build up his arm for the majors.
Former top pitching prospect Quinn Priester will make his first start of the 2024 season on Friday in place of Marco Gonzales who was placed on the 15-day injured list.
Priester has made three starts for Indianapolis so far this year, going 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA over nearly 14 innings.
Priester went 3-3 for the Pirates last season with a 7.74 ERA over eight starts (10 appearances).
Priester went 3-0 in Spring Training, but didn’t make the trip north with a 5.87 ERA.
Speaking on this weekly radio show on 93.7 The Fan, General Manager Ben Cherington said they have an “intentional” plan with Skenes are being deliberate.
“To try to get him to an appropriate total volume for 2024 coming off last year, when he pitched a full college season and then just a little bit of pro ball,” said Cherington.
So, when will Skenes make his debut? That’s still unknown.
Skenes has started in three games for the Indians, before Thursday.
Over 9.1 innings, Skenes has a 0.00 ERA with 19 strike outs and a 0.64 WHIP.