Paul Skenes, a rookie right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been selected as the starting pitcher for the National League All-Star team.
Skenes earned this honor following a dominant performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he recorded 11 strikeouts and one walk over seven innings, narrowly missing a no-hit bid.
At just 22 years old, Skenes becomes the sixth-youngest pitcher to start the All-Star Game, achieving this feat in his 11th career MLB start. He joins a select group of rookies, including Mark Fidrych and Fernando Valenzuela, in this distinction.
Drafted first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has impressed with a 1.90 ERA and 2.58 FIP over 66 1/3 innings since his MLB debut in May.
“I’m guessing it’s gonna be (Gunnar) Henderson, (Juan) Soto, and (Aaron) Judge,” he remarked on “The Dan Patrick Show,” preparing to face formidable opponents from the American League.
The Midsummer Classic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16 at 8 p.m. ET at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
