BRADENTON, Fla. - As the baseball world gears up for the long grind of a 162-game season, most players are fine-tuning their routines and making last-minute adjustments. But then there's Paul Skenes, who's been locked and loaded since the final out of last September.
“He elevates everyone around him,” Pirates manager Don Kelly recently noted. “His approach is meticulous, whether it’s on the mound or during practice. He pushes everyone, including me, to step up.”
Skenes wrapped up his spring training with a stellar performance against the Blue Jays at LECOM Park, setting the stage for the Pirates’ Opening Day. In a matchup that saw Pittsburgh secure an 8-3 victory, Skenes faced a formidable Toronto lineup, packed with veterans who had just battled in the World Series against the Dodgers.
This outing was more than just a warm-up for Skenes, who is set to kick off the regular season against the Mets. “Yeah, it's time for the season," Skenes said. "I'm excited for it."
With a limited pitch count typical of final spring starts, Skenes came out firing. His 10th pitch should have concluded a clean first inning, but a hard-hit liner by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. slipped past Oneil Cruz in center, allowing Guerrero to reach second. Skenes quickly regained control, forcing Alejandro Kirk to fly out and end the threat.
In the second inning, Skenes was dominant, striking out the side on just 11 pitches. His curveball was particularly effective, leaving Ernie Clement swinging at air and flinging his bat in frustration.
Skenes reflected on his goals for the outing: “I wanted to feel good and get back into the rhythm with the ABS. I threw more curveballs and sliders than I did in the WBC, just to get comfortable with every pitch.”
By the time he wrapped up his day in the fourth inning, Skenes had allowed only one hit and recorded six strikeouts. More importantly, he emerged healthy and ready for the season.
This spring was unique for Skenes, who participated in the World Baseball Classic. A creature of habit, he seamlessly integrated this experience into his routine, posting a 1.80 ERA and striking out eight in 8 1/3 innings for Team USA. Although the team fell short against Venezuela in the championship, Skenes gained invaluable experience on the international stage.
Reflecting on his journey, Skenes shared, “Big atmospheres are thrilling, but you have to stay true to what you do,” a lesson he plans to carry into the upcoming season with Pittsburgh.
Pirates closer Dennis Santana, who faced Skenes in the WBC semifinals, praised his teammate: “He’s one of the best pitchers in the world, and he showed everyone why.”
As the season looms, Skenes is poised to take his game to new heights, armed with confidence and a wealth of experience. The rest of the league, consider yourselves warned.