Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes has been named the starting pitcher for the National League team in the 2024 All-Star Game.
Skenes is coming off another dominant performance, pitching seven hitless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. He owns a 6-0 record, 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts this season.
According to MLB.com, Skenes will be the fifth rookie pitcher to start in the All-Star Game and the first since 1995. Skenes joins Dave Stenhouse, Mark Fidrych, Fernando Valenzuela and Hideo Nomo on the exclusive list of rookies to get a start in the mid-summer classic.
The 22-year-old spent the first six weeks of the season in Triple-A before making his MLB debut on May 11. He recorded seven strikeouts with at least 17 pitches going over 100 mph.
Skenes was selected by the Pirates first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.
More to come.
In a surprising turn of events, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been selected as the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. The announcement came as a shock to many baseball fans, as Skenes was not considered a front-runner for the prestigious role.
Skenes, a 27-year-old right-hander, has been a consistent performer for the Pirates this season, posting a 2.85 ERA and striking out over 100 batters in just 15 starts. His impressive numbers caught the attention of NL manager Joe Maddon, who ultimately decided to give Skenes the nod as the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game.
Despite his relative lack of experience compared to other pitchers in the league, Skenes has shown remarkable poise and maturity on the mound. His ability to command his pitches and keep hitters off balance has made him a standout performer for the Pirates this season.
Skenes’ selection as the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft. It is a rare honor for a young pitcher to be given such a prominent role in one of baseball’s most prestigious events, and Skenes is sure to make the most of this opportunity.
As he takes the mound in front of a packed stadium and a national television audience, Skenes will have the chance to showcase his talents on a grand stage. All eyes will be on him as he faces off against some of the best hitters in the American League, and he will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement with his performance.
Regardless of the outcome of the All-Star Game, Skenes’ selection as the starting pitcher is a significant milestone in his career. It is a testament to his talent and potential as a pitcher, and it is sure to be a moment that he will never forget.
For Pirates fans, Skenes’ selection as the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game is a source of pride and excitement. It is a reminder that their team has a rising star in its midst, and that the future looks bright for the Pirates and their young ace.
As Skenes takes the mound in the All-Star Game, he will have the opportunity to prove himself on a national stage and cement his status as one of the top pitchers in the league. It will be a moment that baseball fans will not want to miss, as they witness the next chapter in the promising career of Paul Skenes.