Yankees Face a Glimpse of the Future in Paul Skenes During Spring Training
The New York Yankees had the opportunity to face one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers, Paul Skenes, during a recent spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite the relaxed atmosphere of a spring training game, the Yankees were eager to test their skills against the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, who has quickly made a name for himself in the MLB. Everson Pereira, who had the chance to face Skenes for the first time, walked away impressed. "He has a lot, a lot, a lot of talent," Pereira remarked after going 0-for-2 against Skenes. "Good arm. He threw great pitches. … He’s very good." Fellow Yankee Ben Rice echoed these sentiments, simply stating, "I mean, he’s a good pitcher," as he managed two fly outs against the formidable right-hander.
A Glimpse of Skenes’ Dominance
During the 2024 regular season, the Yankees had a brief encounter with Skenes, who pitched two innings and recorded three strikeouts. This spring, they got a more extended look at his abilities as he started against them in a game that ended in a 9-1 loss for the Yankees. Skenes was solid, keeping the Yankees scoreless for three innings. His performance showcased why he is considered one of the most exciting young pitchers in the game. The Yankees had a few close calls, such as when Ismael Munguia singled off Skenes, stole second and third, and Anthony Volpe successfully challenged a called strike to reach base. However, Skenes remained unscathed, stranding runners in scoring position.
The Breakthrough and Skenes’ Resilience
The Yankees finally broke through against Skenes in the fourth inning when Trent Grisham hit a solo home run to right field. Despite the home run, Skenes continued to impress, finishing his outing with five strikeouts, four hits, and one earned run over four innings. Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus noted, "I mean, he’s tough. They had some good at-bats out there. Grish obviously scored that one ball out. Munguia had some good at-bats. There was some good at-bats but he’s a tough assignment." Skenes’ ability to limit damage even when the Yankees had runners in scoring position highlighted his poise and skill on the mound.
A Valuable Learning Experience for Young Yankees
For the Yankees’ young players, facing Skenes provided a valuable learning experience. One such player was Spencer Jones, who earned a walk off Skenes during a six-pitch battle. Ausmus reflected on the importance of such matchups for developing players, stating, "If nothing else, he sees what he’s going to have to face when he gets to the big leagues. It’s not always an easy task. With Paul Skenes, it’s a harder task than normal." After the game, Jones was reassigned to minor league camp, but the experience of facing a pitcher of Skenes’ caliber will undoubtedly be beneficial for his growth.
Players’ Reflections on Facing Skenes
Players like Ben Rice also appreciated the opportunity to face Skenes. Rice, who had two fly outs against the right-hander, acknowledged the value of competing against such a high-level pitcher. "It’s really helpful," Rice said. "Anytime you get to see a quality arm up there, it’s fun to kind of battle test yourself a little bit and see how things play out." For young players in spring training, these matchups are not just about the immediate results but about gaining experience and understanding what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
While the Yankees didn’t come out on top in this particular game, the experience of facing Paul Skenes was undoubtedly beneficial. The game provided a glimpse into what the future holds for both the Yankees’ young talent and the rising star in Skenes. As the team continues through spring training, these kinds of challenges will be instrumental in preparing them for the upcoming season. The ability to compete against elite pitchers like Skenes will only serve to strengthen the Yankees’ resolve and readiness for the battles ahead in the competitive world of Major League Baseball.
