In a groundbreaking decision, Paul Skenes, the 21-year-old rookie sensation for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been named the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. This historic selection comes after just 11 starts in his major league career, making Skenes the fifth rookie pitcher to start an All-Star Game and the first player to be chosen as an All-Star in the same year he was drafted.Skenes has taken the baseball world by storm since his debut on May 11, posting a remarkable 6-0 record with a 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. His dominance is further highlighted by his league-leading 99.1 mph average four-seam fastball velocity. Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, who will manage the National League team, made the announcement on SiriusXM MLB Network Radio, stating, ‘It’s such a well-deserved honor for him’.The decision to start Skenes has generated both excitement and controversy within the baseball community. John Smoltz of FOX Sports acknowledged that while Skenes is worthy of the start, the decision was not without its critics. The rookie’s rapid rise to stardom has also been accompanied by off-field attention, including his relationship with LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne.Skenes’ selection breaks several records, including becoming the sixth-youngest pitcher to start an All-Star Game and having the fewest career major league games (11) for a player appearing in an All-Star Game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. As he prepares to face the American League’s top hitters, including Gunnar Henderson, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge in the first inning, all eyes will be on this young phenom as he continues to make history in his rookie season.
Key points
- Paul Skenes, 21-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates rookie, named starting pitcher for National League in 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
- Skenes is the fifth rookie to start an All-Star Game and first player selected as an All-Star in same year as being drafted.
- With a 6-0 record, 1.
- Decision generates excitement and controversy in baseball community.
90 ERA, and 89 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings, Skenes has impressed in just 11 career starts.
Contradictions👾Some sources state Skenes is 21 years old, while others report him as 22 years old.
This discrepancy might be due to different publication dates or rounding of age.
