While LA Dodgers' Ohtani Shohei (32) is challenging for his first Cy Young Award since his debut, his most likely rival, Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes (24), has begun a rapid pursuit.
Skenes started on the mound in the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on the 7th (KST), earning a win with 8 innings, 2 hits allowed, 7 strikeouts and no runs allowed.
Skenes, who joined Pittsburgh as the first-round (first overall) pick in the 2023 rookie draft, won the National League Rookie of the Year after recording a 2024 season of 23 games (133 innings), 11 wins, 3 losses and a 1.96 earned run average. Last season he recorded 32 games (187⅔ innings), 10 wins, 10 losses and a 1.97 earned run average and claimed the National League Cy Young Award.
Skenes, who is aiming for his second consecutive Cy Young Award, is Ohtani's biggest rival as Ohtani seeks his first Cy Young Award since his debut. Ohtani, returning to full-time two-way play for the first time since elbow and shoulder surgeries this year, leads both leagues with a 0.97 ERA in 6 games (37 innings) with 2 wins and 2 losses. If Ohtani can secure the ERA title, the Cy Young Award would also become likely.
Unlike Ohtani's very strong start, Skenes struggled greatly from the season opener. Without defensive help he suffered a loss after 2/3 innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, one hit by pitch, 1 strikeout and 5 runs. His ERA reached 67.50.
Despite ruining the important opener, Skenes quickly began to stabilize his performance. In that game he posted 8 scoreless innings, lowering his season ERA to 2.36. Having thrown 97 pitches through the eighth, Skenes did not attempt a shutout and handed the mound over to Gregory Soto.
Major League Baseball's official site MLB.com highlighted Skenes' strong outing that day, saying, "If Skenes had reduced his pitch count instead of recording three consecutive strikeouts to start the eighth, he might have had a chance at his first career shutout."
Skenes said, "When I came off the mound I didn't know how many pitches I'd thrown. I wasn't overly worried because I had a lot of faith that Soto would finish it off," adding that he was not disappointed about missing the shutout. He added, "Ultimately it's always important whether you can throw your pitches. It's not easy, but it's simple. If you throw the ball the way you want, the game will go the way you want," showing confidence.
Fans are watching with interest to see whether Ohtani, being chased by Skenes, can win his first Cy Young Award since his debut this season.<
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