Paul Skenes Believes Pirates Have ‘Shot’ To Make First Playoffs Since 2015

Paul Skenes is fresh off an All-Star Game start and is ready to look toward the second half for himself and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 22-year-old has helped turn things around for Pittsburgh in no time, as they went into the break with a 48-48 record. They’re currently 6.5 games back of the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers and just 1.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot. There’s reason to have confidence if you’re Skenes and company.

Speaking with Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the MLB All-Star explained why he believes the Pirates are in a good spot right now.

“We’re playing good baseball,” Skenes said, as transcribed by Mackey. “I was almost kinda sad that the All-Star break came when it did because we were playing so well. But I think we’re in a good spot.”

Skenes followed up on that, saying that the Pirates have a “shot” to make it to their first playoffs since 2015.

“We got a shot. Like, a real shot,” Skenes continued telling Mackey. “Getting back to .500 before the All-Star break was huge. That last game in Chicago was big.”

Through the first 11 starts of his MLB career, the right-handed hurler has a 1.90 ERA with 89 strikeouts and a 0.92 WHIP. If he can replicate his first half, then the Pirates’ “real shot” will become a reality by season’s end.

Pittsburgh will jump back into action in the second half on Friday night, as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park. The first pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. EST.

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