NORTH PORT, Fla. — Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, experienced four of his strikes overturned by video review during his initial spring training appearance. The right-handed pitcher threw 53 pitches over 2 1/3 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, as he prepares for the upcoming World Baseball Classic representing the U.S.
Details of Skenes’ Performance and Challenges
Throughout his outing, Skenes struck out four batters but also issued four walks while allowing one hit and one run across 12 batters faced. Home plate umpire Chris Segal called 27 pitches as strikes, but Atlanta hitters successfully challenged four others using the automated ball-strike review system, commonly known as the robot umpires. Notably, three repeated overturned strikes occurred in the first inning alone.
Matt Olson was the first to prompt a review by disputing an 82.3 mph curveball called a strike. Replay showed that the pitch was actually just outside the strike zone, which brought a smile to Olson before he drew a walk. Following Olson, Jurickson Profar contested a 98.3 mph fastball strike call on the first pitch he faced; it was overturned to a ball, eventually leading to another walk. Austin Riley then requested a review on a 99 mph pitch during an 0-2 count, which was deemed above the strike zone. Despite this, Riley later struck out swinging on a 98.5 mph fastball within the zone.
Further Challenges Reflect Consistent High Velocity
In the second inning, Ronald Acuña also successfully challenged a 97.6 mph fastball that was initially called a strike but found to be outside the plate. Although the fastest strike called and then overturned was to Austin Riley, Skenes consistently pitched in the upper 90s during the session.
Implications for Skenes’ Upcoming Season and World Baseball Classic
Skenes’ spring training debut offered a glimpse of his velocity and control under real-game conditions, but the multiple overturned strikes suggest areas requiring adjustment ahead of the regular season. His quick transition to international play with the United States team at the World Baseball Classic highlights his escalating profile. Pittsburgh fans will watch closely as Skenes enters his third season aiming to build on his Cy Young-winning form.
