BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh pirates Fans Reacts in Shock as Coach Don Kelly makes Surprising Decision Announcing that Pitcher, Paul Skenes, has been made the….see more

BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh Pirates Fans React in Shock as Coach Don Kelly Makes Surprising Decision Announcing that Pitcher Paul Skenes Has Been Made the Team’s New Closer

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Don Kelly—stepping in for manager Derek Shelton at today’s press conference—announced that rookie pitching sensation Paul Skenes will no longer start games. Instead, Skenes will take on a new role as the team’s full-time closer, effective immediately.

The unexpected decision has left Pirates fans stunned, with many questioning the strategy behind moving the 23-year-old phenom from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has dazzled in his first season with the Bucs, boasting a 2.45 ERA and 187 strikeouts over 142 innings pitched.

“We Need a Hammer at the End of Games”

Coach Don Kelly explained the rationale behind the decision in Thursday’s press briefing, citing the team’s ongoing bullpen struggles as the primary reason for the change.

“We’ve lost too many tight games in the 8th and 9th innings,” Kelly said. “Paul gives us a weapon that not many teams have—a power arm who can dominate late in games. We need a hammer at the end of games, and Paul is that guy.”

While many fans expected Skenes to be groomed as the team’s long-term ace, the Pirates’ front office appears to be taking a different approach as the team fights to stay alive in the National League Wild Card race.

Fan Reaction: Confusion, Frustration, and Cautious Optimism

Reactions from Pirates fans have ranged from outright disbelief to reluctant support.

“I’m shocked,” said Matt Rosario, a season ticket holder from Mount Lebanon. “You don’t take a guy who looks like the next Justin Verlander and make him a closer. That’s like putting a Ferrari in a school zone.”

Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #FreeSkenes began trending in Pittsburgh, with fans demanding the team reconsider.

However, some baseball analysts argue the decision could pay off in the short term.

“Skenes has the mentality of a closer and the stuff to match,” said MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac. “Think Josh Hader meets Jacob deGrom. If he embraces the role, he could be unhittable in the 9th.”

What This Means for the Rotation

With Skenes moving to the bullpen, veteran lefty Martín Pérez is expected to return to the starting rotation. Rookie Jared Jones and Mitch Keller will continue to anchor the front end, but the pressure is now on the bullpen to hold late leads—something they’ve struggled with all season.

Despite the criticism, Kelly remained firm in his decision.

“We’re trying to win now. This isn’t about development—it’s about October baseball,” he said.

Skenes Responds

Paul Skenes, when asked about the move, gave a composed but brief response:

“I’ll do whatever helps the team win. Whether that’s the first inning or the ninth, I’ll be ready.”

Still, fans can’t help but wonder if this change is permanent—or simply a temporary fix for a team that’s still figuring out its identity in the late stages of a playoff push.