The Pirates this week have been all about the future, and the biggest part of that future yesterday signed a record contract. Paul Skenes, the 6-7 right-hander flamethrower who was the top overall pick in last week’s MLB Draft, inked a deal that includes a record $9.2 million signing bonus. Then he put on his Pirates gear and went to the outfield at PNC Park and played catch.
Skenes says he wants to be a part of the Pirates’ next championship.
Skenes says he hopes it won’t be long before he is back in Pittsburgh.
The right-hander revealed on MLB Network last night that he and the Pirates have had discussions about him possibly also being a big league hitter, like Shohei Otahni. He says he likes to challenge himself.
On the field last night, the Pirates current ace made his first start since the All-Star break, and it did not go well. The Pirates have been outscored 21-1 so far in their series against Cleveland. Joe Block has the story.
The series concludes this afternoon with left-hander Rich Hill [7-9, 4.76 ERA] starting for the Pirates against Cleveland’s Aaron Civale [3-2, 2.65 ERA]. It’s a 12:10 airtime, 12:35 first pitch on WCCS.
General manager Ben Cherington says the callups of three more top prospects to the Pirates this week are a signal that those players are going to have to develop at the Major League level rather than in the minors. He also said that the team can play better than it is right now, and he noted that the trade deadline is approaching on August 1st.
Cherington also said third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes is frustrated by his ongoing back injury and may require a rehab assignment when he is ready to play again, and injured shortstop Oneil Cruz is doing baseball activities and he believes Cruz will play for the Pirates this season, either in August or September.
ALTOONA CURVE
Altoona threw a bullpen game against Reading, with seven pitchers combining on a 4-0 shutout. Third baseman Domingo Leyba had three hits, including a home run. Second baseman Jackson Glenn and center fielder Chavez Young each had two hits. Justin Meis got the win with two innings of one-hit ball and Noe Toribio also threw two scoreless innings. Braxton Ashcraft, Sean Sullivan, Grant Ford, Tyler Samaniego, and Oliver Garcia each threw one inning.
Game two of the series is tonight in Altoona, with the Curve sending right-hander Aaron Shortridge to the mound.
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