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PROSPECT: Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
ERIC CROSS' LATEST PROSPECT STASH RANKING: #3
CALL-UP ETA: May
ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitching prospect Paul Skenes has been lighting up Triple-A and is on the verge of making his major league debut. The former number-one overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft has posted an incredible 0.39 ERA and 0.87 WHIP across 23 innings at Triple-A. He has struck out 41 batters and allowed just six free passes.
Throughout his first four starts, Skenes did not allow an earned run and posted a stellar 27:4 K:BB ratio with just five total hits. However, in these starts, Skenes never pitched into the fourth inning.
All 41 Paul Skenes strikeouts, all in one place.
We're 24 hours away from Skenes Sunday. Be there: https://t.co/IyLaMuRf27 pic.twitter.com/iETmiQx1XS
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) May 4, 2024
Fantasy managers have been eagerly anticipating his promotion, and his most recent start suggests it could be just around the corner. On April 30, the 21-year-old threw a season-high six innings, allowing just four hits, one walk, and no earned runs while tallying seven punchouts. This extended start can signal that his "ramp-up" period is just about complete.
With Marco Gonzales (forearm) on the 15-day injured list, the Pirates have an open spot in the rotation for Skenes. In the short term, they have relied on Quinn Priester, but he has not impressed with a 3.31 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Skenes is a must-roster at this point, as he could finish as a top-20 starting pitcher rest of the season.
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