Pirates ace Paul Skenes explains why he's not concerned about potential injuries

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has a wicked fastball, but should he take it down a notch?

In a story published Tuesday, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci reported Skenes is one of 21 pitchers over the last four seasons to average 96.6 mph on their four-seam fastball in the first two innings of games. Thirteen of these pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery, and 19 suffered a notable injury. 

Skenes insists he's not concerned about that.

"Nobody in the big leagues has my stuff," he told Verducci. "We're writing our own book. Because I've tried it the other way. It doesn't work. It's my game out there. There is no model for me."

In December 2024, a study by 200 experts found pitchers chasing maximum velocity has contributed to a rise in injuries (h/t MLB.com's David Adler). The study revealed that the number of pitchers on the injured list and the days they missed due to injury doubled from 2005-24. 

Skenes said he didn't read the study and is more interested in what players who have avoided injuries for most of their careers are doing. He mentioned New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and San Francisco Giants star Justin Verlander as examples.

Verducci interviewed Skenes before Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March. However, the six-time All-Star went 12 seasons before needing the operation. Verlander, a 20-year veteran, underwent his first Tommy John surgery in September 2020.

Skenes added his trainer, Eugene Bleecker, is teaching him how to throw as fast as possible without damaging his right arm. 

"I'm trying to know more than anybody else," Skenes said. "There is an element of chance to it. There's also an element to do everything you can and know your body. And I think that a lot of people they just don't know what they don't know. I'm trying to be the first guy to do these things, right?"

Skenes, who turns 23 on May 29, is in his prime. Through his first six games this season, the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year is tied for 15th in baseball in strikeouts (39). 

Skenes should still exercise caution. The data suggests he's at a high risk of suffering a significant injury.