Report: Pirates not planning to shut down Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren't planning to shut down Paul Skenes and have no set innings limit for the right-hander, sources told Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

Skenes has pitched 125 1/3 innings between the major and minor leagues this season, which are the most he's thrown in his career.

However, the Pirates are considering shorter outings for the 22-year-old, according to The Athletic. It's a similar approach to what the Chicago White Sox are doing with their ace left-hander Garrett Crochet.

Sticking on the big-league roster heightens Skenes' chances of winning National League Rookie of the Year. That could impact the Pirates, who are 7 1/2 games back of the final NL wild-card spot.

Skenes, a front-runner for the honor, could earn an additional year of service time if he finishes first or second for the award, regardless of how many days he spends in the majors.

Additionally, the Pirates won't be eligible to receive a Prospect Promotion Incentive draft pick if Skenes wins Rookie of the Year because he didn't begin the season on the Opening Day roster, nor was he promoted to the big leagues within the first two weeks of the campaign. Skenes debuted May 11.

"I'm supportive of the rules changes that came about in the last CBA that were intended to get the best players to the major leagues," Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said.

"And of course I'm confident the league and players association will continue to review those going forward and work to do what is in the best interests of the game."

Skenes has been one of the biggest storylines of the 2024 campaign. He owns a 7-2 record with a 2.30 ERA and 11.1 K/9 in 16 starts. Skenes has also been removed from two no-hitters and was named the NL's starter in the All-Star Game.