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sports1d ago
Pirates' Paul Skenes Making One More Spring Training Start
- Skenes will start for the Pirates in a March 20 Spring Training game against the Atlanta Braves in North Port, Florida.
- The game is expected to be Skenes’ final Grapefruit League appearance before Opening Day against the Mets on March 26.
- Skenes has appeared in Team USA exhibitions and the World Baseball Classic, including a 4.1-inning start against the Dominican Republic in the WBC semifinals.
- Skenes has leaned on his four-seam fastball, which sits near 98 mph, as his primary pitch this spring.
- In Spring Training, Skenes has blended in a sinker and splitter, with other offspeed pitches making up about 28% of his usage.
- Skenes posted strong World Baseball Classic numbers, including seven strikeouts in a Pool Play game and a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings in the event.
- The Pirates expect Skenes to translate Spring Training performance into a strong regular-season debut after his Spring data.
- Skenes’ Spring Starter Status marks a key development as he prepares for Opening Day with a high-velocity fastball and diversified repertoire.
- The forthcoming March 20 start is part of a schedule that positions Skenes for a March 26 Opening Day vs. the Mets at Citi Field.
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