“It would be a loss for the Pirates if they shut him down” - MLB analyst believes Paul Skenes will not be limited to his performance

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes has done nothing but turn heads this season. He has surpassed the huge expectations he had before his debut and is one of the most exciting pitchers to watch this year.

The flamethrower has started 14 games, compiling a 6-1 record with a 1.99 ERA on 86 innings of work. He has quickly turned into Pittsburgh's ace, but some are wondering how long he will last this season.

Being a rookie, many believe Skenes is on an innings limit and could be shut down later in the season. Post-Gazette Sports' Jason Mackey joined a recent airing of Foul Territory TV to discuss the possibility. He said:

"They have said this, and I believe them guys, that as long as they're in contention, he is going to pitch."

While rumors are circulating, Mackey explained that as long as Pittsburgh is in contention for a postseason spot, Skenes will be on the mound. Currently, they sit in third place in the NL Central, seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. He added:

"It would be a loss for the Pirates if they shut him down, because if they shut him down, I think it would be tied to them falling out of contention. If they are 7, 8, 9 games out of the Wild Card with like two weeks to go, they will probably shut him down."

There would be no point in continuing to keep Skenes out there if there is no hope for a postseason spot. Being one of the best arms in the MLB at such a young age, Pittsburgh will not want to risk unnecessary injuries.

Pirates ace Paul Skenes is not showing signs of fatigue

Pittsburgh Pirates - Paul Skenes (Image via Imagn)

in college, pitchers are designated by the day. Most aces are reserved as the Friday starter, and that was no different with Paul Skenes at LSU. He was used to pitching once a week, but in the MLB things are different.

MLB pitchers are developed to pitch once every five days, and Skenes has taken to that with little problems. He has not shown any signs of fatigue, going an average of 6.14 innings per start, and recently notched his 100th career strikeout.

Skenes could not have started his big-league career any better. The future is certainly starting to look bright in Pittsburgh with the level of talent emerging.