"No. 1 overall" prospect

What does Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton expect from Paul Skins, the No. 1 overall rookie making his major league debut?

Shelton said in an interview ahead of the home game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 12th (Korea time), "I will manage the expectations."

Skins was called by the big leagues after pitching well with a 0.99 ERA in seven Triple-A games this season as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft.

It is the first call-up in 307 days since he was drafted. According to Pittsburgh, this is the fastest time for a major league player to make his big league debut since Ben McDonald, who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1989, made his debut in the same year.

He was also drafted in 1985 and became the fastest player to reach the big leagues since Barry Bonds, who debuted in 1986.

Against the background of being the first overall draft pick, an unprecedented right call-up continues, drawing attention not only from Pittsburgh but also from the league as a whole.

Shelton said, "I don't think there's a rookie who debuted with such high expectations over the past 15 to 20 years. He's the No. 1 overall pick, and he's come up to the big leagues at a very fast pace," acknowledging that he's drawing a lot of attention.

On the other hand, he drew a line on excessive interest. "We're happy to see him here throwing, too. But isn't it his debut game? I'm just going to let him go out and throw, and show him how he is. I'm not going to have any other expectations. I just want him to become a Major League pitcher," he said, expressing his expectations.

Skins had a unique history of transferring to Louisiana State University after serving at the Air Force Academy. He also played in the College World Series as an LSU member last year.

Referring to Skins' career, Shelton said, "He's a very quiet and polite friend, probably because he was there at the Air Force Academy. That was the most amazing thing. And he always cares about what he has to do. I'm very grateful for that."

"He kept his focus even on the big stage that was broadcast nationwide. I hope he will focus fully on dealing with the opponent team today as well," he added.

I had a composure that didn't fit the age of 21, but I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous at all.

Shelton also said, "It's a big league, and it's our debut game. It would be amazing to say that any player didn't feel nervous at all when they were at bat or on the mound. This is a big league, and of course, I'm nervous," adding that certain level of tension is natural.

He is a rookie who has rarely experienced failure so far. In the Major League, chances are high that he will experience failure.

In response, Shelton said, "Looking at his attitude and his preparation, I think there is a high possibility that he will rebound immediately even if he experiences failure. We also need to realize that today is his Major League debut. Rather than putting too high expectations on him, he will just go out and let him do what he needs to do. There will be days when the game makes you humble yourself. This is what all players, regardless of level, and players who have played in the big leagues have experienced. So the most important thing is that we all realize this and let Paul Skins do it," he said, again asking the rookie not to put too much expectation on him. 토토

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, handed over right-hander Roanji Contreras to make room for Skins.

He also placed third baseman Kibryan Hayes on the injured list citing a back injury and recalled infielder Alika Williams, who had been a minor option the previous day.