Paul Skenes Has 2nd-Lowest ERA Through 50 Career MLB Starts Since 1920

The Pittsburgh Pirates surely expected Paul Skenes to anchor their rotation shortly after they called him up to the major league level during the 2024 season.

But even they couldn't have realistically expected the right-hander to pitch at a level the sport hasn't seen for more than 50 years.

After striking out seven and allowing three hits in seven scoreless innings of work during Sunday's 4-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies, Skenes lowered his career ERA to 2.02 through 50 starts.

Alex Stumpf of MLB.com noted only Vida Blue had a better ERA through the first 50 career starts of a career since the beginning of MLB's live ball era in 1920. Blue pitched his first 50 starts for the Oakland Athletics from 1969-72 and had a 2.01 ERA.

The three-time World Series champion was particularly dominant in 1971 when he led the league with a 1.82 ERA in 39 starts. He won the Cy Young that season, which is something Skenes may very well be on his way to doing in 2025.

"Just gotta do it in the next 50, and the 50 after that," Skenes said. "Consistency is the biggest thing, I feel. Being on the field, doing the same thing every day. That's all you can ask for from players. Been pretty consistent to this point. Just got to keep going."

Skenes has been brilliant this season with a league-best 2.07 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 181 strikeouts in 161 innings over his 27 starts. He has been a bright spot for a Pirates team that is in last place in the National League Central at 57-74.

That his record is just 8-9 is a testament to how poor the team is around him, but that hasn't stopped him from making baseball history to start his career.