Paul Skeens was perfect in his Triple-A debut.
MLB’s top pitching prospect pitched three scoreless innings with five strikeouts on Saturday for Indianapolis, the Pirates’ highest-ranked affiliate in the minor league system.
He started short and threw 29 of his 46 pitches for strikes, including 12 whiffs.
This performance marks the next time his girlfriend, LSU gymnast, influencer and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Olivia Dunn, appears on his widely followed social media account. It will be something to celebrate.
Dunn was quick to celebrate all of Skeens’ milestones during spring training.
The first batter Skeens faced in Triple-A, Jacob Hartubise, struck out with an awkward half-swing, as if to protect himself from a high fever.
On Saturday, Skeens averaged 160.1 mph on 21 fastballs and reached at least 100 mph on 12 pitches, with a high of 101.2 mph and a low of 99.1 mph, according to MLB.com.
Skeens was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and played in just five minor league games last summer after leading LSU to the College World Series title.
He gave up four runs in 2 2/3 innings in his only Double-A appearance.
However, Skeens performed sharply as a member of the major league team during spring training, recording three innings, three hits, one run, and three strikeouts in two games.
The clock is already ticking on when the Pirates will promote Skeens, who has opted not to return to Double-A.
The only other minor leaguer MLB.com ranks as a better minor leaguer than Skeens is the Orioles’ Jackson Choriot, as the Brewers’ Jackson Cholio started the season in the majors.
