The Pirates social team shared the moment when manager Derek Shelton told Skenes that he would be the Opening Day starter for the club. Getting the ball on opening day is an emotional moment for any pitcher. More often than not, it means the franchise believes you are the ace in the rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have named pitcher Paul Skenes as the team's Opening Day starter, the Pirates announced on Saturday. In a video posted to social media, Pirates manager Derek Shelton tells Skenes he will pitch against the Miami Marlins on March 27.

BRADENTON, Fla. — Paul Skenes is going to start for the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day. Pretty easy call for manager Derek Shelton. Skenes is coming off a dominant performance in his first season in the majors. The 22-year-old right-hander went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts for Pittsburgh in 2024, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award.