Former Top Pitcher Being Called up to Big Leagues

The number one overall pick, in the 2023 Major League Draft, is getting the call to join the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend. The former ace for the LSU Tigers had a great year in the minor leagues this year, which resulted in him getting called up to the big leagues.

Paul Skenes led the Tigers to their seventh College World Series victory last season. That capped off a historic season for Skenes as he posted a 13-2 record with an earned run average of 1.69 in 122.2 innings pitched and struck out 209 batters. He also had a 0.75 WHIP and an opposing batting average of .165.

That amazing season led to Skenes winning various awards and ultimately being the number one overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. He did not pitch much in his first professional season. He tossed 6.2 innings and posted an earned run average of 5.40 and struck out 10 batters. He also had a WHIP of 1.05 and an opposing batting average of .192.

In a small sample size, that does not look great, but he came into 2024 determined to have a dominant season. He has done just that in seven appearances as he has an earned run average of 0.99 in 27.1 innings pitched and has struck out 45 batters. He also has a WHIP of 0.91 and an opposing batting average of .175.

These numbers are incredible which gave the Pirates an easy decision on what to do with him. Skenes is now scheduled to pitch this Saturday, at PNC Park, against the Chicago Cubs at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Since it is only May, Skenes should be able to pitch in enough innings to qualify for the National League Rookie of the Year award. He has to earn it with pitching well, but with how he has done in the last two years, that should not be a problem.

This is very exciting as he was one of the most electric pitchers in college baseball last year. Keep an eye out for the former LSU star, this Saturday.