Paul Skenes comments after shortest start of his career

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered Opening Day excited for a new season, especially with last year's National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes on the mound.

Skenes was dominant last season, posting 7.7 WAR, 10 wins, 216 strikeouts and a 1.97 ERA over 187 2/3 innings.

These stats earned Skenes a sixth-place finish in National league MVP voting, the only NL pitcher to receive such votes (besides Shohei Ohtani).

He also looked impressive for Team USA this spring, defeating the Dominican Republic in the semi-finals with a one-run performance over four and 1/3 innings.

That said, Skenes had an outing to forget Thursday, marking the shortest appearance of his big league career.

Skenes didn't make it out of the first inning, surrendering four runs on five hits and two walks.

Pittsburgh would go on to lose the game in a high-scoring 11-7 affair.

Following the game, it was revealed that Skenes was pulled due to a high pitch count, having thrown 37 pitches in the first.

Skenes was asked by the media after the game if he was surprised about the decision. 

He said: "Yes and no. Yes because I think I would have gotten out of the inning. No, because it's early in the season and a it was a 37-pitch inning."

At 23-years-old, the Pirates still seem to be very precautious with Skenes, hoping to keep him as healthy as possible for the duration of the season.

Pittsburgh will have another chance to get their first win of the season Saturday with Mitch Keller on the mound.

More MLB news:

• Braves' $7M 3-time All-Star fan favorite set to make franchise history on Opening Day

• Mets reportedly sign $2.25M veteran Gold Glove finalist as possible Carson Benge replacement

• Dodgers predicted to trade $12M speedster, versatile defender for coveted top-tier pitching

• Astros trade prediction ships prospect overhaul to Twins for $100M Gold Glover, Silver Slugger