**Third Baseman Returns from Injury**
The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that third baseman has been activated from the injured list and will be available for tonight’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Hayes was sidelined with a back injury and missed the last 17 games while on the 10-day IL.
**Injury Updates for Other Players**
Pitcher Martin Perez and catcher Joey Bart have both been placed on the 10-day IL following injuries sustained in Sunday’s game. Perez injured his groin while running to cover first base, and Bart hurt the thumb on his catching hand. To fill Bart’s spot, catcher Grant Koch has been added to the roster.
**Upcoming Game Details**
The Pirates are set to open a two-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park tonight. Pitcher Jared Jones (3-4) is slated to start for the Pirates, while the Tigers will counter with pitcher Tarik Skubal (6-1).
### Pittsburgh Pirates Monthly Q&A – June Edition
Apologies for missing last month’s Q&A—life got pretty hectic for a bit, but I’m back and ready to dive into all things Pittsburgh Pirates and MLB. As always, feel free to ask anything related to the Pirates or Major League Baseball.
Spotlight on Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes is emerging as a pitching phenomenon for the Pittsburgh Pirates, displaying a combination of skills that arguably place him among the top five pitchers in baseball today. His repertoire includes a blazing 100 mph fastball, a deceptive sprinkler pitch, and a sharp slider, making him a formidable presence on the mound.
**Recent Performance**
Skenes continued to impress with a dominating performance on Wednesday, leading the Pirates to a 10-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers. He struck out nine batters over six innings, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk, securing his second win of the season.
**Historical Comparisons and Achievements**
In just four career starts, Skenes has racked up 58 swing-and-misses in 22 innings—the second-most in baseball history since 1988. The only pitcher to surpass this is Jared Jones, who recorded 73 earlier in 2024, according to OptaSTATS.
Skenes is also the fourth pitcher in AL/NL history to achieve an ERA of 2.45 or better with 30 or more strikeouts and five or fewer walks in his first four starts, a feat last accomplished by Masahiro Tanaka in 2014. Other notable comparisons include Stephen Strasburg (2010) and Felix Hernandez (2005).
Skenes’ ability to maintain composure under pressure and deliver key strikeouts or induce double plays has been crucial to his early success. These statistics not only highlight his skill but also position him as a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year in a competitive field, including his fellow 22-year-old teammate Jared Jones.
### Looking Forward
As we move further into the season, Skenes’ performance will be pivotal for the Pirates. His potential to become the best pitcher to ever wear the black and gold is becoming more apparent with each game. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching his journey, anticipating the impact he will have on the team and the league.
Feel free to ask any questions or share your thoughts on Skenes or any other Pirates or MLB-related topics. Let’s keep the discussion going!
