Major League Baseball is hoping this year’s All-Star Game outshines those of recent seasons, and they’re pulling out all the stops to make it happen. The league is putting together a standout event featuring the best talent available—including the starting pitchers, who were selected by their respective coaches and officially announced by the league.
One of those starters is Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes, who will take the mound for the National League. Now in his second MLB season, Skenes is the youngest of this year’s starting pitchers. His win-loss record (4–8) may not jump off the page, but his 2.01 ERA has earned him high praise and solidified his place among the league’s elite.
Skenes isn’t just starting for the NL—he’s also making history. He becomes the first pitcher in MLB history to start the All-Star Game in each of his first two professional seasons. Only four other players—none of them pitchers—have accomplished that feat.
Tigers Ace Gets the Call for the AL
On the American League side, the nod goes to Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal, who returns to the All-Star Game for the second straight year. It’s a major milestone in his six-year MLB career, which has seen steady improvement. Skubal enters the break with a 10–3 record and a 2.23 ERA.
Both Skenes and Skubal have been dominant this season, and with two elite arms on the mound, it’s fair to expect a low-scoring affair. Through 39 combined starts, they’ve allowed just 60 total runs.
Detroit Deep, Pittsburgh Alone
The Tigers will be well-represented at this year’s Midsummer Classic, sending six players in total. In contrast, Skenes will be Pittsburgh’s lone representative, with no teammates joining him on the National League roster.