Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Gives His Thoughts on Paul Skenes Being Removed From No-Hitter

Pittsburgh Pirates star rookie Paul Skenes was approaching his first no-hitter Thursday before he was pulled from the game after seven innings. Skenes pitched seven innings and allowed zero hits with only one walk. The Pirates earned a 1-0 win.

Instead of allowing Skenes to go for his first career no-hitter, Pirates manager Derek Shelton removed him after 99 pitches — less than his career high. The decision was controversial, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts understands the choice, especially when it comes to preserving Skenes.

“If it doesn’t go well, we’re dealt with the fallout of the player, and also the ramification of a franchise. He’s an organization-altering player, so those are things we have to weigh and those are tough decisions,” Roberts said on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM.

MLB insider Buster Olney agreed with Roberts, noting to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain that Skenes had already thrown 99 pitches, making the decision to take him out of the game clear.

“Paul Skenes was at 99 pitches,” Olney said. “The most pitches he’s thrown in any game this year were 107. There was no chance he was going to finish that game. And so knowing that, you get them out in the seventh inning, especially given how important he is.”

Skenes will have to wait for his first no-hitter, but he is still on his way to an incredible rookie season. One of the best pitching prospects ever coming out of college, Skenes is 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts. He has already been named the National League starter for the MLB All-Star Game and is on pace to become the NL Rookie of the Year by the end of the season.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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