Paul Skenes

Skenes' workload concerns could open the door for other rookies

Chicago Cubs had won six in a row -- all on the road -- before losing the first two in its three-game series against Pittsburgh at Wrigley Field

Skenes allowed just four hits and struck out six, but he did issue four free passes. The right-hander has not allowed a run in two of his last three starts, and it's helped lower his ERA to a remarkable 2.13 in his rookie campaign. Skenes had unbelievably high expectations when entering the league. He's not only met them, he's beaten them. Considerably.

Hendricks was making a spot start with Justin Steele unavailable due to soreness in his left elbow. He pitched well,but not well enough with Paul Skenes blanking the Cubs over his five frames and Chicago providing zero runs through the contest. It remains to be seen if Hendricks makes another start, but that is obviously tied to Steele's health.

Merill just keeps on hitting. The long ball was his 21st ,which tied him with Jurickson Profar for second on the Padres behind Manny Machado, and he has nine in his last 30 games. He only hit 15 total homers in 114 games between High-A and Double-A last year! This is a burgeoning superstar who has somehow put himself squarely in the Rookie of the Year conversation with Paul Skenes.