Pittsburgh Pirates No. 1 draft pick Paul Skenes and LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne confirmed that they are officially dating in August. Both were part of championship-winning teams at LSU, with Skenes excelling in the minor leagues and Dunne supporting him while waiting for his call up to the majors. Skenes has been performing well in Triple-A, consistently throwing over 100 mph and maintaining a minuscule ERA of 0.53. Despite being in an innings restriction, Skenes is seen as a vital part of the Pirates’ long-term plans as they continue to rebuild for the future.
While Skenes has been dominant on the mound, Dunne and her LSU gymnastics team won the NCAA title, marking it as the “best day ever.” Skenes has expressed some frustration with his innings restriction but understands the organization’s cautious approach, as he is seen as a key piece for the team’s future success. Pittsburgh’s starters have been holding their own with a combined 3.64 ERA, so there is no immediate pressure for Skenes to be rushed into the rotation despite his impressive performances.
Dunne has mentioned that she has no idea when Skenes might receive the call-up to the majors, but she is prepared for it with her outfits and merch ready. The couple supports each other through everything, with Dunne noting that Skenes makes her a better person. Skenes had an outstanding final season at LSU, with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 122.2 innings, showcasing his potential for success in the major leagues. The Pirates are currently off to a decent start this season with a 13-11 record in a tough NL Central division.
Despite having only pitched 17 innings in five starts, Skenes has been a standout player with the Pirates, exhibiting his prowess on the mound. He has not allowed an earned run until recently, showing his dominance and potential for success in the majors. While he may have faced some frustrations with his innings restriction, Skenes remains focused on his long-term future with the Pirates and the impact he can make on the team. It is likely that Dunne will be by his side when he eventually makes his MLB debut, supporting him every step of the way.
Pittsburgh GM Ben Cherington emphasized the importance of being thoughtful about Skenes’ development, as he is seen as a crucial part of the team’s rebuilding efforts. Skenes’ projections are looking promising, and it appears that he is on track to make a significant impact in the major leagues. Both Skenes and Dunne are prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that come their way as they navigate their respective careers and relationship, with a shared commitment to supporting each other through their successes and setbacks.
