Paul Skenes ($9,900; 33.7 FPTS) was one of the best pitching prospects coming out of college and was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. But baseball is difficult and many prospects keep Flava Flav in our consciousness. “Yeah booyyeeee! Don’t believe the hype!”
But Skenes has been the real deal, making a mockery of the MLB landscape so far this season. Entering Thursday’s game, he had pitched 98 innings, gone 7-2, posted a 2.91 FIP, 11.11 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and 0.92 HR/9. Straight domination.
On Thursday, Skenes continued his stellar campaign, striking out nine in six innings while walking one and not allowing an earned run on two hits.
DK Sportsbook has Skenes at -105 to win NL Rookie of the Year. Jackson Merrill is currently the favorite at -130. As for the NL Cy Young, Skenes has the third-lowest odds at +2000. Chris Sale is the heavy favorite at -330.
Nick Lodolo ($8,000; 14.3 FPTS) was up to the challenge, at least for four innings. He did not allow a hit and struck out eight Pirates. Unfortunately, things unraveled in the fifth inning, as the Pirates scored six runs with five coming off Lodolo.
Bryan Reynolds ($5,100; 10 FPTS) got things started with a RBI infield single. With the bases loaded, Bryan De La Cruz ($3,500; 21 FPTS) drove everyone in with a double to right. Oneil Cruz ($5,000; 10 FPTS) then singled in De La Cruz.
Yasmani Grandal ($2,700; 14 FPTS) hit a solo shot in the sixth inning to finish off the offensive outburst.
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