Paul Skenes sends awesome challenge to rival hitters
Jul 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes speaks a press conference before the Pirates play the Cleveland Guardians at PNC Park. Skenes was the Pirates first round pick and the overall number one pick in the 2023 MLB first year player draft. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes had a fantastic challenge for rival hitters ahead of his second career MLB start on Friday.
Skenes, the top pitching prospect in baseball, put together a solid debut outing for the Pirates against the Chicago Cubs last Saturday, striking out seven batters in four innings of work. That debut does mean, however, there is a growing library of film that opposing hitters can watch to try to figure out the former No. 1 pick.
That is not a big concern for Skenes. Asked about the potential for hitters to adjust to him, the pitcher fired off an awesomely confident quote.
"Go ahead and adjust. Good luck." -Paul Skenes on hitters having more film to watch now pic.twitter.com/nzq9wwStBc
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 17, 2024
“Go ahead and adjust. Good luck. I’m ready for it,” Skenes said.
It’s pretty easy to say that when you possess a triple-digit fastball and filthy breaking stuff like Skenes does. Triple-A hitters certainly looked clueless against him, and while the jump to MLB is a big one, he certainly looks like he belongs so far.
MLB hitters are certainly capable of making some adjustments, but there is only so much one can do against great stuff. Plus, Skenes seems savvy enough that he will move to counter any adjustments himself.
