Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said it best after Paul Skenes shut down his team last night: “He’s really good.” Greg Brown has the story of a Buccos shutout.
Paul Skenes says it was a dominant pitching performance.
Skenes went only six innings in winning his first game since May 28th. The Pirates have been managing his workload, guarding against potential arm problems, but he says he’s ready to go more if asked.
Skenes says he feels strong and there’s no need for an extra cautious approach to his workload.
Manager Don Kelly says Skenes was a classic stopper last night.
Kelly says Skenes works hard to be ready for each game and the results prove that it works.
Pitcher Johan Oviedo is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery with Altoona, but with the Curve having yesterday off, he traveled west on Route 22 to Pittsburgh and was in the dugout last night. Oviedo threw a bullpen session under the tutelage of pitching coaches Oscar Marin and Brent Strom. He will return to Altoona for tonight’s opening game of their six-game series with Chesapeake.
The Pirates have signed three of their picks in last week’s MLB draft. Third baseman Murf Gray was chosen in the Competitive Balance B slot between the second and third rounds. Pitcher Jack Anker was a sixth round pick and shortstop Matt King was a tenth rounder. Gray and Anker were college roommates at Fresno State. King is from Arizona State. They are all assigned to the Pirates’ Florida Complex League team in Bradenton.
