Getty Image
Former big leaguer Curt Schilling has given his take on LSU’s pending pitching decision ahead of a winner-take-all national title game. That decision has to do with potential No. 1 overall draft pick Paul Skenes.
Skenes has thrown more than 240 pitches in the College World Series, helping the Tigers pick up wins over Tennessee and Wake Forest. In those two appearances, he’s pitched 15.2 innings while allowing just two runs and striking out 21 batters.
Now, the question being asked revolves around his availability for Monday night’s matchup with Florida. The righty has now had three days of rest, typically the minimum recovery period between starts.
But asking Skenes to make his third start in just over a week would be frowned upon by many, particularly given his professional future. The pitcher is currently ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect, regardless of position, by MLB.com.
He falls only behind teammate Dylan Crews, who’s hitting .421 as a junior, making Skenes the top pitching prospect in the class.
Should his draft stock be valued more highly than a potential national championship in his final outing? Curt Schilling doesn’t think so.
When asked by a fan on social media about Skenes’ availability, he said, “Three days rest? At what, 20? 21? Take the f—ing ball.”
@gehrig38 Curt, what are your thoughts on Paul Skenes throwing tomorrow for LSU on 3 days rest after throwing 120 pitches last thursday? I think he’s a kid and injuries are going to happen one way or another. Go out there with your teammates and win a Championship.
— Matt Beck (@beckmatt7) June 26, 2023
That opinion has the baseball world split.
Some agree with Schilling, with this fan writing, “Yes, exactly this! It’s the National Championship. You don’t play in those very often.”
Former big leaguer Ben McDonald chimed in, too.
😂👊
— Ben McDonald (@realbenmcdonald) June 26, 2023
Others, however, disagreed. They believe Skenes’ future should be taken into account.
“Pitching Skenes would be a federal crime,” one follower said while another wrote, “Surely they won’t start Skenes on three days rest after 120 pitches.”
No shot Skenes starts
— Jordan J MacGeever (@j_macgeever) June 25, 2023
Even if he doesn’t get the nod, Skenes could make an appearance in relief depending on how the game unfolds. We’ll see if he does take the mound on Monday, and if so, for how long.