Every Major League Baseball player encounters a moment when they truly understand the leap from amateur to professional play. For Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, that moment came when he surrendered a home run to Shohei Ohtani, a defining “welcome to the pros” experience. The significance of this event lies in facing one of baseball‘s most formidable hitters at the beginning of his big-league journey.
“I gave up a home run to Shohei Ohtani,”
Skenes said.
“I’m not the first one that it’s happened to. That was a little different.”
—Paul Skenes, MLB Rookie
Context Behind Ohtani’s Power and Skenes’ Early Success
Ohtani, known for his exceptional dual-threat skill set as both a pitcher and hitter, launched a career-high 54 home runs last season, making it unsurprising that he managed to take Skenes deep during their matchup. Despite this pitcher’s early setback, Skenes quickly established himself as a dominant force on the mound after debuting in May 2024.
Since that memorable homer allowed, Skenes has maintained a stellar 1.96 ERA and 0.95 WHIP while compiling an 11-3 record across 23 starts. These impressive statistics earned him his first All-Star selection and the National League Rookie of the Year title, highlighting his rapid rise within the league.
Current Season Performance and Team Challenges
Continuing his strong form into the current season, Skenes leads qualified starters with a 2.01 ERA and sports a 0.93 WHIP over 20 starts. However, despite his personal excellence, the Pirates have struggled overall, resulting in a 4-8 record in games he has started. This contrast underscores the challenges of contributing individually on a team still searching for consistent success.
The Lasting Impact of a Memorable Moment
Though giving up a home run to one of baseball’s best could discourage many rookies, Skenes appears to have embraced the experience as a pivotal point in his career. Facing Shohei Ohtani early on has become a story that marks his transition into the highest level of competition. As Skenes continues to develop, he is widely regarded as one of the league’s most promising young pitchers, with a future likely to see him among the elite arms in baseball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani is the lone member of the 50/50 club.