Paul Skenes had an interesting way of warming up before his start on Tuesday. Before a 1-0 win over the Cardinals, the Pirates ace was spotted talking with the teams ground crew at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that he spent around 15-20 minutes chatting with the crew while they tended to the infield. Whatever wisdom was shared between the two parties didnt hurt, as he went out and had a great outing with five scorele s innings in the Pittsburgh victory. Paul Skenes looks to have joined the Pirates grounds crew. Hes been out there, chopping it up with the boys for a good 15-20 minutes now. Josh Richardson Jersey Noah Hiles (@_NoahHiles) Pirates star ace Paul Skenes. Getty Images Explore More After the game, Skenes said he hung out with the grounds crew because he was bored, but he did add that hed cut gra s profe sionally after retirement from baseball, the Post-Gazette reported. But for the 23-year-old starter, retirement should be far away. Once again, the young ace is a candidate for the NL Cy Young Award. As a rookie last season, he was a nominee for the award, losing out to Braves ace Chris Sale. Even though Skenes could not bring home the award, he still had a fantastic season by winning the NL Rookie of the Year and starting the All-Star Game for the senior circuit. Paul Skenes holding the Rookie of the Year trophy. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images In all, he had a record of 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. This season, although he has a 4-7 record, his other numbers remain elite, including an NL-best 2.03 ERA. Despite another stellar Skenes season, the Pirates offense has ranked toward the bottom of the league, hitting the second-fewest home runs in MLB and compiling the seventh-lowest batting average. The Pirates sit last in the NL Central with a record of 38-50. Kristaps Porzingis Jersey