Overview
- Paul Skenes arranged a castle-style inflatable in the middle of the Pirates’ clubhouse at PNC Park on Monday before the Cardinals series.
- The Pirates’ official social account posted photos of the bounce house, which reporters also saw set up inside the room.
- The surprise served as a belated 20th-birthday nod to Konnor Griffin after he went 3-for-4 with three RBI and hit his first MLB home run in a 6-0 win over Milwaukee.
- Manager Don Kelly praised the team’s upbeat vibe this season, pointing to earlier gags like Jake Mangum buying his own birthday cake in spring training.
- The moment underscores Skenes’ playful leadership and gives a hyped 20-year-old a softer landing in a clubhouse focused on chemistry as the team starts strong.