Analyst Identifies Pirates' Paul Skenes as Leading Cy Young Contender

What's Happening?

Paul Skenes, a starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is emerging as a favorite for the Cy Young Award following his recent shutout performance against the Colorado Rockies. Skenes pitched seven scoreless innings, marking his 11th shutout start of the season. Despite having only eight wins, Skenes' ERA+ of 195 is the highest for a Pirates pitcher since 1913. His performance is drawing comparisons to historical figures, and he is considered a frontrunner for the award, especially after an injury to competitor Zach Wheeler.

Why It's Important?

Skenes' potential Cy Young win would be a significant achievement for the Pirates, highlighting their pitching strength and boosting the team's reputation. His performance could inspire other players and contribute to the team's overall success. Winning the Cy Young would also enhance Skenes' career, positioning him as one of the top pitchers in the league.

What's Next?

Skenes is expected to sit out the opening game of the Pirates' series against the Cardinals. The team may consider resting him in September to preserve his health for future seasons. The Pirates will continue to leverage Skenes' skills while managing his workload to optimize his contributions.