The Pittsburgh Pirates were not expected to be a contender this season, but have found themselves right in the mix for the third National League Wild Card race.
At 56-57, they sit in third place in the NL Central and eight games out of first, but only four back in the Wild Card hunt.
They have been given a major boost from rookie right-hander Paul Skenes.
Some have speculated that Pittsburgh might shut down Skenes late in the season, but Pirates insider Jason Mackey quickly denied the rumors.
"As long as they're in contention, he's going to pitch," Mackey said on Foul Territory.
It looks as though the Pirates don't have any plans to shut down Skenes. Ultimately, shutting him down wouldn't make any sense, especially if they are in contention.
The Washington Nationals shut down Stephen Strasburg back in 2012 to preserve his arm after Tommy John surgery. That decision ultimately backfired, as they lost the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals.
If the Pirates are in the mix, then they should avoid making the same mistake the Nationals made 12 years ago and have their best pitcher available for the stretch run.
Skenes is likely to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award and will be needed if the Pirates are going to make a run at a playoff spot for the first time since 2015.
Pittsburgh drafted Skenes in the first round of the 2023 draft out of Louisiana State University.
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