Fred Toucher agrees with Pirates pulling Paul Skenes from a potential first-ever no-hitter
On this morning’s Toucher & Hardy radio program, the guys discussed Paul Skenes, who was close to making history with seven no-hit innings against the Brewers. After throwing 99 pitches, he was pulled before the eighth inning, and reliever Colin Holderman immediately gave up a single to Jake Bauers, ending the no-hit attempt.
Skenes ended the day with 11 strikeouts and 99 pitches, bringing his ERA down to 1.90 with 89 strikeouts in 11 starts. At only 22 years old, he could have entered the All-Star game with a potentially historic performance. Instead, analysts and fans are questioning why he was taken out.
WATCH HERE:
Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton defended the decision, citing the need to protect Skenes from potential injury due to fatigue.
“It didn’t really have anything to do with the pitch count,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said after the game. “Everyone makes it about pitch count. It was about where he was at. It was about trusting your eyes, trusting him. When I went to talk to him after that, he was tired. They did a good job of wearing him down, and he gave us everything he had.”
While some sports platforms were outraged, the guys, especially Fred, acknowledged the importance of player safety and long-term performance.
LISTEN HERE:
Mazz's Tiers: Red Sox trade deadline acquisitions in the 2000's
Tier 1
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Manager Terry Francona #47 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with Doug Mientkiewicz #13 after defeating the New York Yankees 10-3 to win game seven of the American League Championship Series on October 20, 2004 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
2004 – Doug Mientkiewicz and Orlando Cabrera acquired in a four team trade that sent Nomar Garciaparra to the Chicago Cubs
Tier 2
BOSTON – OCTOBER 17: Dave Roberts #31 of the Boston Red Sox steals second base while shortstop Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees applies the tag in the ninth inning during game four of the American League Championship Series on October 17, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
2004 – Dave Roberts acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a minor leaguer
2018 – Steve Pearce acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for Santiago Espinal
2018 – Nathan Eovaldi acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for Jalen Beeks
2021 – Kyle Schwarber acquired from the Washington Nationals for a minor leaguer
2009 – Victor Martinez acquired from the Detroit Tigers for Justin Masterson
Tier 3
Boston Red Sox batter Manny Ramirez touches the hands of fans after he hit the first of two home runs against Texas Rangers, Saturday, July 10, 2004. The Red Sox won 14-6 at Fenway Park in Boston. (Photo by J Rogash/Getty Images)
2013 – Jake Peavy acquired in a three team trade. Jose Iglesias was traded to the Detroit Tigers in the deal
2008 – Manny Ramirez traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three team trade. Jason Bay was acquired by the Red Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates
Tier 4
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 23: Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox tips his cap as he leaves the game in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game One of the 2013 World Series at Fenway Park on October 23, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
2007 – Eric Gagne acquired from Texas Rangers for Kason Gabbard
2014 – Jon Lester traded to Oakland Athletics for Yoenis Cespedes
2014 – John Lackey traded to St. Louis Cardinals for Allen Craig and Joe Kelly
