Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes made baseball historical past on Thursday together with his Opening Day begin on the Miami Marlins.
Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
Paul Skenes, the No. 1 decide within the 2023 Draft, is the quickest No. 1 total decide to make his 1st Opening Day begin
Prior quickest: Mike Moore (No 1 decide 1981, Opening Day SP 1984) & Stephen Strasburg (No 1 decide 2009, Opening Day SP 2012)
h/t @MLB_PR
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 27, 2025
Skenes, the reigning Nationwide League Rookie of the 12 months, put collectively an unimaginable season in 2024, going 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA. He additionally began the All-Star Recreation for the Nationwide League and was a top-three finalist for the Nationwide League Cy Younger Award. He struck out 170 batters in 133.0 innings.
He continued the sturdy begin to his profession on Thursday, tossing 5.1 innings in opposition to the Marlins. He surrendered two runs on three hits, strolling two and hanging out seven.
Skenes makes up a strong top-of-the-rotation for the Pirates together with Jared Jones and Mitch Keller. Nevertheless, Jones is on the injured record with an elbow drawback. Ultimately, Skenes will pair with prime prospect Bubba Chandler, who’s starting the 12 months within the minor leagues however may very well be up quickly.
The Pirates completed final within the Nationwide League Central final season, however with this pitching depth and the spark from Oneil Cruz, there may be some optimism in Pittsburgh as soon as once more.
The Pirates misplaced to the Marlins, 5-4. The 2 groups play once more Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET.
This text first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.
