Paul Skenes is the Opening Day starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a first-time distinction for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year and All-Star Game starter.
Manager Derek Shelton did have other options, but he said there was one obvious choice.
“Well, he’s really good,” a smiling Shelton said of Skenes. “I think he deserves it from what he did last year, the way he’s performed. I think we have a really good rotation with some other guys who can do it. Mitch (Keller) has done it in the past and has done a really good job. Just felt like Paul was the best choice.”
The Pirates shared a video of the moment Shelton informed Skenes he would be the Opening Day starter.
Skenes, 22, was among the top three in NL Cy Young voting at the end of last season, posting a record of 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings.
He’ll take the ball March 27 at Miami, facing the Marlins and 2022 NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.
–Field Level Media
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