Overview

• Before Tuesday’s game at PNC Park, Skenes spent 15–20 minutes working with the grounds crew, joking that he was bored and would cut grass professionally after his playing days.
• The 23-year-old ace followed the stunt with five shutout innings, five strikeouts and one walk in the Pirates’ 1-0 victory over St. Louis.
• Skenes’ season numbers stand at a 2.03 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 115 strikeouts through 18 starts, while Pittsburgh’s offense ranks among MLB’s weakest in batting average and home runs.
• Social media users turned his off-hand landscaping comment into memes and trade jokes, highlighting worries that Pittsburgh’s low payroll and construction could drive him elsewhere.
• The episode has intensified scrutiny of the organization’s ability to build around a generational talent under team control through the 2030 season.