Paul Skenes Strikes a Deal: Will He Dominate or Fade Under Pirates’ Watchful Eye?

PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes is hungry for the ball every time his team takes the field. That eagerness, combined with a talent so electric it’s hard to ignore, has propelled him into a rarefied air — the only pitcher to ever start the All-Star Game during each of his first two seasons. But despite that blazing desire, the Pittsburgh Pirates are cautious, playing the patient game with their young ace’s throwing arm.

Last year, they imposed a gentle innings limit during his dazzling rookie campaign. This season follows a similar playbook, though with some flexibility. Just this past Monday, after Skenes delivered six solid innings on 86 pitches against the Detroit Tigers, he didn’t resist when manager Don Kelly handed the ball over to reliever Braxton Ashcraft for the seventh inning — a move that paved the way for a 3-0 Pirates win.

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