The youth movement may have begun in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, as the Pirates announced that Bubba Chandler, MLB’s top pitching prospect, would make his pro debut on Friday against the Rockies. Chandler’s call-up has been long in the making. The 2021 third-round pick is MLB’s No. 7 prospect (per MLB Pipeline), skyrocketing from No. 93 in 2024.

Skenes will start the series opener vs. the Blue Jays, battling right-handed starting pitcher Kevin Gausman. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. (EST). This marks the first time that Skenes has pitched against the Blue Jays in his MLB career, since making his debut on May 11, 2024.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to promote 22-year-old right-hander ... Chandler will join a staff that already includes 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. The person told the AP that Chandler will initially work in a “bulk” bullpen role.

The Pittsburgh Pirates' advanced numbers showcase precisely why Paul Skenes will not want to finish his career in the Steel City.

It took 47 major league games before Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes gave up seven hits to an opposing lineup.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes reacts after getting Arizona Diamondbacks' Adrian Del Castillo to fly out during the sixth inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH — Livvy Dunne and Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed starting pitcher Paul Skenes have dated for years now, but the public still can't get enough of the