Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes was chosen to play in the All-Star Game on Sunday just eight weeks after his debut, and the Philadelphia Phillies had seven players selected, the most in the major leagues.
Skenes, who recently turned 22, was the top pick for the Pirates in last year’s draft and made his debut on May 11. He currently has a 5-0 record with a 2.12 ERA in 10 starts and 78 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings. He has thrown 74 pitches at speeds of 100 mph or more.
Skenes’ next game before the All-Star break is expected to be midweek, making him a potential starter for the National League team.
“That’d be cool. No expectations,” he said. “I don’t know who decides that, but it’d definitely be cool.”
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, San Diego outfielder Jackson Merrill, and Skenes are the only rookie All-Stars for the upcoming game in Arlington, Texas on July 16.
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Philadelphia pitchers Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Jeff Hoffman, and Matt Strahm were also selected along with position players Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have six All-Star players, including Tyler Glasnow, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani.
Cleveland and San Diego also have five All-Star players each, while Atlanta pitcher Chris Sale earned his eighth All-Star selection at the age of 36.
“It is definitely satisfying. I appreciate it for sure,” said Sale, who was acquired by the Braves from Boston. “They took a chance and I’m happy to be able to do this for them.”
Other notable All-Stars include Texas closer Kirby Yates, Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, and the youngest All-Star, Jackson Merrill, at 21 years old.
Despite facing some injuries, the All-Star roster is full of talented players ready to showcase their skills on July 16 in Arlington, Texas.
