MLB Rumors: Paul Skenes Being Shut Down for Rest of Season Isn't Planned by Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren't interested in shutting down starter Paul Skenes as he nears the end of his impressive rookie season.

According to Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel of The Athletic, the Pirates have "no such plans" to shut him down and don't have a set innings limit on him either. One precaution Pittsburgh is "considering" is potentially shortening his outings, similar to Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet.

The Pirates' postseason chances are slim, as they own the worst record in the NL Central at 58-65. They sit 13.5 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers and 7.5 games back from the final wild-card berth.

One bright spot for the team has been Skenes, who has emerged as a star since he was called up on May 8. In 16 starts, he owns a 7-2 record to go along with a 2.30 ERA. He's averaging 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings and started for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

Skenes has already pitched 98 innings with the Pirates and also racked up 27.1 innings this season at Triple-A. During his final season at LSU in 2023, he totaled 122.2 innings.

Pittsburgh has been cautious with the length of his starts, as he was pulled following seven no-hit innings against the Brewers on July 11.

While Skenes reportedly isn't in danger of getting shut down, the Pirates will be careful with the length of each start as he wraps up his inaugural season.