ARLINGTON, TX — It continues to be a stellar year for MLB’s rookie phenom Paul Skenes. The right-handed pitcher and No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft will start for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday.
During an interview on the Dan Patrick Show, where Skenes was the guest, Arizona Diamondbacks and National League All-Star manager Torey Lovullo called into the show to break the news.
“I thought it was my time to butt in on a really special moment,” Lovullo jokingly said. “Paul, I just wanted to call and congratulate you. I’ve chosen you to be the starter for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game.”
Skenes began this season in the minor leagues, where he started seven games and finished with a 0.99 ERA in just over 27 innings. That work was enough for the Pittsburgh Pirates to call him up for his MLB debut.
Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Phenom Paul Skenes
(Credit: mlb.com)
Since his debut, Skenes has compiled an impressive rookie resume. Through 11 starts this season, the right-hander has posted a 1.90 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 13 walks in 66 1/3 innings. Among pitchers with at least 60 innings pitched, he ranks second in ERA.
Skenes joins an exclusive group as the 5th rookie in MLB history to start an All-Star Game. He joins Hideo Nomo (1995), Fernando Valenzuela (1981), Mark Fidrych (1976), and Dave Stenhouse (1962) with the announcement.
“That’s unbelievable,” Skenes said when he heard the news. “That’s awesome.”
Five Texas Players Made the MLB Roster this Season. Read more here.
The 2024 MLB All-Star Game will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at Globe Life Field in Arlington. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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