Pittsburgh Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes has made the National League All-Star team, marking another historic milestone for the MLB.
Skenes became the first player in league history to be selected first overall in the MLB Draft and then named to an All-Star team the following year, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Skenes debuted just two months ago, but the hype has been very real for the LSU product.
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Paul Skenes, #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, throws a pitch in the first inning during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old made his long-awaited debut on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs, where he struck out seven batters while allowing one home run, six hits and two walks in his innings of work.
Since then, Skenes has posted a 2.12 ERA in 10 starts, striking out 78 batters and issuing just 12 walks. The Pirates are 7-3 in games he starts.
PIRATES ROOKIE PHENOMENON PAUL SKENES MAKES MLB HISTORY WITH ANOTHER DOMINANT OUTING
“You definitely can't expect that,” Skenes said of his All-Star bid, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I think it's just a result of being there and doing the work that's required, that type of thing. The expectation was definitely to win the national championship when we were there. That's all we wanted to do.
“But in terms of being selected in the first place, being called up every time I was called up and now the All-Star Game, there were no expectations for me. It's just about doing everything I can and letting other people make the decision for me.”
Paul Skenes, #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
With a triple-digit fastball on the radar gun and other nasty breaking pitches, Skenes has proven to be the young ace the Pirates hoped he would one day be. They certainly aren't complaining that he's already making an impact in the big leagues after needing just 12 minor league starts before his debut.
“I think what we're seeing from him is he's No. 1, he's got a really elite stuff,” manager Derek Shelton said of Skenes. “What we're seeing from him is his ability to grow in starts. I think even the last couple starts, the first couple innings, he's been a little bit off with his mechanics, and we've seen him make adjustments and not let games get away from him. That's really rare for a young pitcher.”
There were several other firsts for National League pitchers alongside Skenes in this year's All-Star Game, including Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott, Philadelphia Phillies reliever Matt Strahm and San Diego Padres reliever Robert Suarez, among others.
Paul Skenes, #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
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In fact, every pitcher is a first- or second-time All-Star except for Atlanta Braves starter Chris Sale, who will be pitching in his eighth All-Star Game.
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