Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton provided insight on Thursday regarding his decision to remove pitcher Paul Skenes from a no-hit bid after seven innings during their game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
In a commanding performance, Skenes pitched seven scoreless innings, helping the Pirates secure a 1-0 victory at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick did not allow a single hit during his time on the mound. Despite this stellar performance, Shelton chose not to send Skenes out for the eighth inning after the rookie had thrown 99 pitches.
When asked about the decision to pull Skenes from the game, Shelton emphasized that the choice was based on the pitcher’s physical state rather than his pitch count. “He was tired. It really didn’t have anything to do with the pitch count; it was about where he was at,” Shelton explained. The coaching staff had observed signs of fatigue in Skenes as early as the sixth inning.
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Throughout his seven innings, Skenes exhibited exceptional control and power. He struck out 11 batters, hit one, and issued one walk.
This outing marked the second time this season that Skenes was removed from a game despite maintaining a no-hit bid. In his second start of the season against the Cubs, he similarly pitched six scoreless innings and was taken out after reaching 100 pitches.
Skenes’ remarkable performances have contributed to his impressive season stats, with his ERA now standing at 1.90. His ability to dominate on the mound has been a significant asset for the Pirates, highlighting his potential as a top-tier pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Despite the conservative approach to his pitch count, Skenes continues to showcase his skill and endurance, promising a bright future for the rookie sensation.
