The Pittsburgh Pirates continue their struggles in 2024 as they have been eliminated from playoff contention.
With a record of 73 wins and 83 losses, the Pirates find themselves 16 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers which is good for last place in the National League Central.
The Pirates haven’t made the playoffs since 2015 and haven’t had a winning season since 2018.
Even with the poor overall record, the Pirates have one of the best pitchers in the National League rookie Paul Skenes.
According to MLB on ‘X,’ Paul Skenes’ stats are impressive through his first 22 Major League starts.
Paul Skenes through his first 22 Major League starts:
1.99 ERA
11.5 K/9
0.96 WHIP pic.twitter.com/y8ZFzB8nRs— MLB (@MLB) September 22, 2024
Skenes made his 22nd career start Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds where he threw 5 innings and allowed 2 hits, 0 earned runs, 0 walks, and 9 strikeouts.
With the 2-0 victory over the Reds, Skenes recorded the win and improved his record to 11 wins and 3 losses.
Through his first 22 starts in the MLB, Skenes has a 1.99 earned run average with 11.5 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched and a 0.96 walks and hits per inning pitched.
The Pirates rookie has been so impressive that he was not only selected to the National League all-star team but he was chosen to start the game.
Skenes is a power pitcher who can touch triple digits regularly with his fastball and he also possesses a wipeout slider.
Another stat that shows just how dominant Skenes has been so far is his 167 strikeouts in 131 innings pitched.
The Pirates have not been great in recent history, but Skenes gives the team and its fans hope for the future to turn things around.
NEXT: Insider Believes 1 NL Team Needs To Add More Offense