MLB Rookie Discusses Highly Anticipated Matchup Against Pirates’ Paul Skenes

MLB fans are eagerly awaiting an explosive pitching matchup later this week.

Last Thursday, Paul Skenes pitched on the same day as Tarik Skubal, but in different games of a doubleheader between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers. The baseball gods quickly made amends with the Pittsburgh ace’s next opponent.

Skenes is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers. The National League Central rival will counter with Jacob Misiorowski, who began his MLB career by pitching 11 consecutive hitless innings.

Misiorowski will make his third career big-league start against Skenes, who has followed an NL Rookie of the Year campaign by posting a 1.85 ERA. The 23-year-old newcomer looked forward to the matchup when speaking to former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski on “Foul Territory.”

“It’s really cool,” Misiorowski said. “I never expected it to happen this soon, but I’m excited. I think it should be (nationally televised), but I don’t make those choices.”

After throwing five hitless innings in his debut, Misiorowski took a perfect game into the seventh inning last Friday against the Minnesota Twins. The 6-foot-7 righty is one of few hurlers capable of competing with Skenes on the radar gun, as he’s thrown his four-seam fastball at an average velocity of 99.7 mph.

While Misiorowski brandishes some of baseball’s best stuff, he almost must harness his command to cement himself as an ace. He issued a 5.4 BB/9 over his minor-league career before allowing four free passes in his first start for Milwaukee.

Misiorowski has quickly picked up two wins, with the Brewers scoring a combined 23 runs. Skenes would certainly appreciate that level of run support, but the 23-year-old remains an NL Cy Young Award favorite in his second season.

Skenes and Misiorowski will face off Wednesday at 2:10 p.m. ET.

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