PIRATES ARE WASTING SKENES

Here's an excerpt from my latest TribLive.com column:

What are the Pittsburgh Pirates saving Paul Skenes for?

In his past three starts, he’s thrown just 14 innings. He’s averaged only 81 pitches.

Is that what Skenes and his agent want?

Is that what future employers like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers want?

Are the Pirates saving Skenes for next season, when they still won’t spend enough to properly support him?

Is the MLB All-Star Game on July 15 in Atlanta a factor? Making sure Skenes is rested so he can pitch and likely start for the National League?

If that’s the case, why is it important for Skenes to pitch one inning against Detroit ace Tarik Skubal in a noncompetitive game when nobody felt it worthwhile for them to go head-to-head in a real game when the opportunity arose during the Pirates’ mid-June visit to Detroit?

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