Paul Skenes made his much-anticipated spring training debut Saturday, and the Pirates ace didn’t look like he missed a beat.
Skenes tossed four innings against the Baltimore Orioles, striking out four batters, issued one walk and allowed one run off four hits. The right-hander’s debut was rained out last week, and he was glad to finally get out there in front of fans.
“I thought it was pretty good, actually. Just kind of what happens, body speeds up when you get in the game, and I think the make or miss is smaller or bigger. I think they were both at times (Saturday),” Skenes told reporters, per Hannah Mears of SportsNet Pittsburgh. “It’s one of those things. It’s not going to be perfect, just gotta get out there in front of fans and get going.”
Skenes planned to mix in a new pitch during spring training. However, it was too soon to tell for the All-Star how effective it would be outside of Grapefruit League action. However, the new cutter looked impressive.
“They don’t really have an approach off me and I don’t have an approach pitching off them,” Skenes said. “That’s just how spring training is. You just got to mix it in. Learn some stuff about it but it’s going to be good, I think.”
Story continues below advertisement
Derek Shelton is set to top the rotation, but Skenes is always must-watch television, and his new cutter will provide even more intrigue heading into Opening Day.
More Pirates: Pirates Closer? Derek Shelton Addresses David Bednar’s Unclear Role
Featured image via Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images