PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-handed starting pitcher, is turning heads with an extraordinary start to his MLB career. Most recently, on July 21 at PNC Park, Skenes shut down the Detroit Tigers in six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk while striking out six, leading the Pirates to a 3-0 victory.
Record-Breaking Career Milestones and Impressive Stats
Since making his MLB debut on May 11, 2024, Skenes has compiled a remarkable 16-11 record over 44 starts. His earned run average (ERA) stands at an outstanding 1.94 across 260 innings pitched, complemented by 307 strikeouts against only 63 walks. Opponents have managed just a .192 batting average against him, with a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.93. According to baseball analyst Greg Harvey, Skenes is the first player since 1901 to reach 300 or more strikeouts while maintaining an ERA below 2.00 in their first 44 games.
In addition to these numbers, Skenes boasts the second-lowest career ERA in the Modern Era, set post-1900, trailing only Pop Williams, who posted a 1.84 ERA during the 1902-03 seasons.
Consistent Excellence Amid Team Offensive Challenges
Although his win-loss record this season reads 5-8, Skenes remains dominant on the mound. This discrepancy is largely due to the Pirates’ offense scoring four runs or fewer in 17 of his 21 starts. Despite this, he maintains a 1.91 ERA over 127 innings, striking out 137 batters with just 31 walks. He continues to frustrate opposing hitters, holding them to a .186 average and sustaining a 0.91 WHIP.
Among MLB pitchers, Skenes ranks at the top in several categories: he has the lowest ERA and opponents’ batting average, ranks fifth in innings pitched and WHIP, and stands ninth in strikeouts.
Historic All-Star Game Appearances and Rookie Achievements
Skenes made history by becoming the first pitcher to start the National League All-Star Game twice within their first two MLB seasons. He joined Bob Friend as one of only two Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers to start multiple All-Star Games, with Friend having started in 1956 and 1960.
In his rookie campaign, Skenes delivered an exceptional 1.96 ERA across 133 innings, limiting opponents to 29 earned runs, 94 hits, and six home runs, while walking only 32 batters and striking out 170. His opponents hit just .198 against him, and he posted an impressive 11.50 strikeouts per nine innings with a WHIP of 0.95. Notably, he was the first Pirates pitcher to start an NL All-Star Game since Jerry Reuss did so in 1975, and only the fifth rookie ever to start an All-Star game, joining the ranks of Hideo Nomo, who started in 1995 before winning NL Rookie of the Year.
Recognition and Future Prospects for Paul Skenes
For his outstanding 2024 season, Skenes was named to the All-MLB First Team, earned the National League Rookie of the Year award, and was a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award. Pittsburgh fans have good reason to anticipate continued excellence, as Skenes is on track to become not only the greatest pitcher in franchise history but also one of the finest ever to play in Major League Baseball.
“He dominated the Detroit Tigers in his most recent outing at PNC Park on July 21. He threw six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk, while posting six strikeouts over 86 pitches, securing a 3-0 shutout victory.” —Greg Harvey
“He is the first player since 1901 with 300 or more strikeouts and an ERA below 2.00 through their first 44 career MLB games.” —Greg Harvey
“He joined Bob Friend as one of two Pirates pitchers that started the All-Star Game twice, with Friend doing so in 1956 and 1960.” —Greg Harvey
“He was the first member of the Pirates that started for the NL in the All-Star Game since Jerry Reuss did it in 1975, 49 years ago.” —Greg Harvey
“He was also just the fifth rookie that started an All-Star game, with Hideo Nomo of the Los Angeles Dodgers doing so in 1995, en route to winning NL Rookie of the Year.” —Greg Harvey