Paul Skenes is ready to deliver on the hype as prized Pirates rookie prepares for major league debut

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul Skenes thought he was ready for the majors months ago.

Turns out, life doesn't work like that. Or at least the Pittsburgh Pirates didn't want it to work like that for perhaps the best pitching prospect in a generation.

“You can’t just show up in spring training and throw seven innings, even if I feel like I can,” Skenes said.

Instead, the Pirates opted to bring the top overall pick in last year's draft along slowly in hopes of protecting the 21-year-old's right arm that regularly delivers fastballs that reach triple digits. The buildup at Triple-A Indianapolis was gradual and deliberate.