As expected, Don Kelly has confirmed that Paul Skenes will be the Pirates' opening day starter for a second consecutive year. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner officially gets the nod against the Mets in Flushing, N.Y. on March 26.
"There's nobody that pushes Paul harder than Paul pushes Paul," Kelly said. "He's always working to get better, to be the best. Really pumped to have him on the bump game one."
Skenes will look to set the tone for the Pirates in their opener after putting together a remarkable first full year in the major leagues in 2025. The 2024 National League Rookie of the Year went 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and .199 batting average against, while also striking out 216 batters and walking 42 over 187 2/3 innings in his second season.
THE ASYLUM
Skenes gets second opening day start
As expected, Don Kelly has confirmed that Paul Skenes will be the Pirates' opening day starter for a second consecutive year. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner officially gets the nod against the Mets in Flushing, N.Y. on March 26.
"There's nobody that pushes Paul harder than Paul pushes Paul," Kelly said. "He's always working to get better, to be the best. Really pumped to have him on the bump game one."
Skenes will look to set the tone for the Pirates in their opener after putting together a remarkable first full year in the major leagues in 2025. The 2024 National League Rookie of the Year went 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and .199 batting average against, while also striking out 216 batters and walking 42 over 187 2/3 innings in his second season.
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