The Pittsburgh Pirates took a slight risk in last year’s MLB Draft.
For months, outfielder Dylan Crews was considered the top prospect entering the draft, but since their contention window appears to be opening soon and they need pitching, they took LSU right-hander Paul Skenes with the No.1 pick.
Different circumstances forced the Pirates to give only 6.2 professional innings to Skenes last year.
Now, however, he is locked and loaded, ready to build some stamina and, in all likelihood, start in the high minors.
The team brought him to spring training, and he had his debut on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles.
He got to face fellow top prospect Jackson Holliday, retiring him with a groundout.
He completed an inning of work and didn’t allow any runs.
Perhaps more impressively, he surpassed triple-digits with his fastball.
“Paul Skenes hit 102 MPH in his spring training debut today,” B/R Walk-Off tweeted.
Paul Skenes hit 102 MPH in his spring training debut today pic.twitter.com/hv9Je17HBo
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 29, 2024
Most of the pitchers in the majors who can throw that hard are relievers.
Just a handful of starters are capable of throwing 102-mph gas.
Skenes is special, and has a special fastball.
The Pirates hope he develops well and quickly enough to make a contribution to the major league team this season, perhaps in the summer months.
The most likely scenario has him starting the year in the minors, and his performance dictating the next steps.
This is a guy who posted a 13-2 record and a 1.69 ERA in 122.2 innings at LSU in his last season before being drafted, with 209 strikeouts against just 20 walks.
He could be an ace for a really long time if all goes well.
That elite fastball velocity certainly helps.
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