Paul Skenes

Paul Skenes (1-1) earned his first win of the season on Wednesday as he tossed five innings and allowed a run on three hits with two walks and five strikeouts. The Pirates defeated the Reds, 8-3.

Fantasy Impact

Skenes lowered his ERA from 67.50 to 9.53 with the five-inning outing on Wednesday. The righthander only ran into an issue in the fourth when he allowed a run on two hits. Otherwise, it was a vast improvement from his Opening Day start. Skenes has allowed six runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings through two starts. More unusual, however, is his 6:4 K:BB ratio. His next start should come early next week against the San Diego Padres.

Paul Skenes was charged with five earned runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning on Thursday as the Pirates suffered an 11-7 loss to the Mets on Opening Day.

Fantasy Impact

Well ... not exactly the start that anyone expected on Opening Day for the reigning National League Cy Young winner. It was the shortest outing of his career and the five runs he allowed tied a career-high. Skenes certainly didn't have his best stuff, but his day should've been much better as Oneil Cruz misplayed two balls in center field on consecutive at bats that led to four runs for the Mets. Nothing to worry about here - Skenes is still the unquestioned Pirates' ace and still one of the top pitchers in all of baseball. His next start is slated for Wednesday against Cincinnati.

Skenes won the National League Cy Young Award last season after posting a 1.97 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with a 216:42 K:BB across 187.2 innings.

Fantasy Impact

Manager Don Kelly made it official Thursday that Skenes will take the mound to open Pittsburgh's season March 26 against the Mets.

Skenes will make his spring debut Wednesday against Atlanta in a Grapefruit League game. Manager Don Kelly anticipates Skenes will pitch at least three innings in the outing.

Fantasy Impact

Last week, Skenes completed a three-inning simulated game as part of his preparation. Wednesday represents his last appearance before departing to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Following the WBC, Skenes may throw one additional tuneup start before Pittsburgh's March 26 season opener against the Mets at Citi Field, where he is projected to start.

Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes said he expects to make two starts at the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Fantasy Impact

Skenes indicated that if the United States were to advance in the tournament, he would make multiple outings. The 23-year-old right-hander unanimously won the NL Cy Young Award last season after posting a 1.97 ERA across 32 starts.