Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) receives a new base ball after giving up a two run double to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on May 6. Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Paul Skenes Enters Monday Start For Pittsburgh Pirates with Great History in Hand

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated May 12, 2025 3:41 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates will open up a new series with the New York Mets on Monday night at Citi Field. Owners of the worst record in the National League Central, the Pirates are 14-27 and just fired manager Derek Shelton.

However, for as bad as it's been for Pittsburgh , they still do have one of the league's best attractions in starting pitcher Paul Skenes, who will pitch on Monday night. And according to @OptaSTATS, Skenes will take the mound with some serious history behind him.

The @Pirates' Paul Skenes made his 15th career road start in St. Louis last week. He owns a 1.36 road ERA, the lowest ERA by an MLB pitcher through their first 15 road starts all-time (since ER first tracked in both leagues in 1913).

The @Pirates' Paul Skenes made his 15th career road start in St. Louis last week. He owns a 1.36 road ERA, the lowest ERA by an MLB pitcher through their first 15 road starts all-time (since ER first tracked in both leagues in 1913). pic.twitter.com/bTYEIKMItp
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 12, 2025

The former No. 1 pick in the draft (2023), Skenes made his major league debut last season, taking the league by storm. He struck out 170 batters in 133.0 innings, started the All-Star Game for the National League and finished third in the National League Cy Young voting.

This year, Skenes has gone just 3-4, but he's still posted a stellar 2.77 ERA. In eight starts, he's struck out 47 batters in 48.2 innings.

First pitch on Monday will be thrown at 7:10 p.m. ET as Skenes is opposed by left-hander David Peterson. He's gone 2-2 this year, providing stability to a rotation that is missing Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea.

Peterson has a 3.05 ERA and the Mets enter play at 26-15.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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