Pittsburgh Review

Paul Skenes, a highly touted rookie for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has garnered significant attention for his pregame warmup routine. On Tuesday, an hour before taking the mound, dozens of fans had already gathered to witness Skenes' regimen in the bullpen at PNC Park.

Fans sought more than just a glimpse of Skenes pitching; they were intrigued by his detailed and disciplined pregame drills. His early career success and reputation as a top pitching prospect have only amplified interest in his preparation methods.

“It just comes down to body awareness,” Skenes said. “It’s how I’m feeling right now. A lot of it is from LSU and [I] started doing at LSU, but I took some of it out in the offseason and put some back in. I don’t have the same routine as I did with LSU exactly.”

Before Skenes' start on Tuesday — where he pitched into the ninth inning and struck out eight batters — many observed his 35-minute routine, which remains consistent each time he prepares for a game.

“From the drills to the reps, alternating between the different things that he does, it’s to a T every single time,” said pitching coach Oscar Marin.

The detailed warmup includes various exercises aimed at enhancing body mechanics and maintaining balance. Inspired by former Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, Skenes incorporates drills that involve mimicking throwing motions from both sides of his body.

“I’m not coordinated enough to do that, but it helps keep my balance,” Skenes explained.

The routine also features activities such as backhanding reverse throws with a weighted ball and tossing a football on the field. This approach was shaped during his time at LSU under former Major League pitching coach Wes Johnson's mentorship.

“The application of it was put in for a very specific reason,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said about the routine. “Yeah, I have watched it. I can't explain to you what he's doing or how he's doing it, but I know it works.”

Skenes meticulously documents his pregame process in a journal to ensure consistency and address any needed adjustments based on how he feels each day.

“There’s very little variance to it, but whatever variance is based on what he needs and what he feels,” Marin noted.

At 6:23 p.m., after completing various activation exercises and building up intensity through catch play with bullpen catcher Raúl Hernández, Skenes began his bullpen session. Fans eagerly captured videos and photos as they watched him prepare up close.

By 6:32 p.m., Skenes completed his warmup amid high-fives from teammates and coaches before lining up for the national anthem. The stage was set for another performance from one of baseball's promising young talents.

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