Pirates GM Ben Cherington Discusses Paul Skenes, Staying Course, Faith in Henry Davis, More

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington took to his weekly radio show on 93.7 The Fan to discuss the state of the organization.

Cherington touched on a number of topics including top prospect Paul Skenes, staying the course amidst a struggling offense, an unwavering faith in catcher Henry Davis and injuries to a pair of left-handed pitchers.

Here’s what he had to say.

On Paul Skenes

“We talk about those boxes being checked. (Sunday) would be another one. It’s the first time as a professional that he’ll be starting a game on four days rest. It may not seem like a big deal but it’s the first time it’ll happen. He’s been checking just about every box since the season started.”

Skenes will start on Sunday for Triple-A Indianapolis, his seventh of the season. The 2023 first-rounder has been nearly untouchable this season with a 0.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 23 innings. He’s coming off of a six-inning outing his last time on the mound which was the longest of his career.

On Sticking With Slumping Offense

“The simplest way to answer is because if you believe that there is better stuff to come, you don’t wanna cut yourself off before you get to that better stuff.”

Cherington went on to add that there are several ways the Pirates are assessing the offensive performance including swing decisions and hard contact.

The Pirates’ offense has been struck in a rut for several weeks now. They’ve scored more than four runs in a game one time since a nine-run explosion on Apr. 14 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

On Recently-Optioned Henry Davis

“When we think about Henry, we see Henry as an important part of the 2024 Pirates. Period.”

The Pirates optioned Davis to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday and activated catcher Yasmani Grandal off the 10-day injured list.

Davis struggled mightily in 23 games to begin the season with the Pirates. On the year, he has a .162 batting average and a .206 slugging percentage without a home run.

On Injuries To Ryan Borucki and Marco Gonzales

Cherington remains optimistic that both Borucki and Gonzales will both pitch for the Pirates again this season.

Borucki has been on the 15-day injured list since Apr. 6 and Gonzales landed on the IL on Apr. 14.