That's because Skenes is looking to add a cutter and two-seam fastball to a nasty repertoire that already includes his signature "splinker" (splitter-sinker hybrid) pitch and traditional four-seam fastball that tops out at over 100 mph.

BRADENTON, Fla. — Paul Skenes spent his rookie season dutifully following the Pittsburgh Pirates’ plan to bring their young ace along as slowly and safely as possible.