Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo had the chance to spend time with Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes at the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, last month. Lovullo was so impressed with Skenes that he selected the 22-year-old to start for the National League in the game.
It wasn’t just Skenes’ pitching talent that caught Lovullo’s attention; it was also his maturity and professionalism.
“He just seemed well beyond his years and had a clear understanding of the bigger picture,” Lovullo said. “He knew what he wanted to achieve every day, respected the level of competition in the majors, and had a clear idea of what it would take to succeed.”
Skenes has already made a significant impact in his early career, boasting a 6-2 record with a 2.25 ERA in 15 starts, along with 116 strikeouts in 92 innings. His impressive performance earned him the distinction of being just the fifth rookie pitcher to start an All-Star Game.
“His physical ability is impressive, but so is his mental outlook,” Lovullo added.
When the Diamondbacks faced Skenes for the first time last Sunday at PNC Park, Lovullo devised a strategy to wear down the young pitcher by being patient and running up his pitch count. Skenes threw 100 pitches over 5.1 innings, leaving the game with a shutout in the sixth. Though he didn’t factor into the decision, the Diamondbacks managed to rally for a 6-5 win. Skenes struck out just four batters, his second-lowest total of the season, while allowing three walks and five hits.
“We knew he had great stuff,” Lovullo said. “Our plan was to grind him down, force him to throw 15-plus pitches per inning, and get him out of the game. It worked, and by the sixth inning, I think he was a bit fatigued.”
Trade Surprises Martin Perez
In other news, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded left-hander Martin Perez to the San Diego Padres for a pitching prospect at the trade deadline on July 30. Perez, who hadn’t been mentioned in trade rumors, was caught off guard when Pirates general manager Ben Cherington informed him of the trade.
“I was surprised, but that’s part of the business,” Perez said. “I’m grateful for my time with the Pirates and the chance to be on a very good team now.”
Since joining the Padres, Perez has not factored into the decision in his two starts but has allowed only three runs and six hits over 13 innings.
Josh Bell’s Trade Deadline Journey
Former Pirates first baseman Josh Bell found himself on the move again at the trade deadline, being acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Miami Marlins. This marks the third consecutive year that Bell has been traded at the deadline, following moves from the Washington Nationals to the Padres in 2022 and from the Cleveland Guardians to the Marlins last season.
“I’m happy with how things have turned out,” Bell said. “The Diamondbacks were in the World Series last year and have a good shot to get back. I feel like I’ve landed in a very good spot.”
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