Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have formally announced that Paul Skenes' 2023 season is over. 

He was selected first overall out of LSU, who won this years NCAA National Championship. After five starts in professional baseball, he is being placed on the development list with a focus on preparing for the 2024 season.

At LSU this season Skenes threw 122.2 innings and struck out 209 batters. He had an outstanding 1.69 ERA and was often times able to continue to throw into the triple digits late in ballgames despite throwing over 120 pitches in three out of his last four games.

He made five starts in the Pirates organization, but due to load management he never pitched more than two innings. His only blemish throughout five games was during his Double-A debut when he recorded just two outs and gave up three hits, four earned runs and walked two batters.

Even though Skenes is having his 2023 MiLB season cut short by a few weeks, his preparation for 2024 and arm health are more important than a few extra starts. There is a lot to be excited about with Skenes and seeing him in the big leagues next season is not out of the question.

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