Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher phenom Paul Skenes has been named to the National League All-Star team, marking a new chapter in MLB history.
Skenes became the first player in league history to be taken No. 1 overall. MLB Project and was subsequently named to an All-Star team the following year, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Skenes made his debut just two months ago, but the hype around the LSU product has been real.
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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 The Chicago Cubswhere 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 allowing just 12 walks. The Pirates are 7-3 in games he has started.
PIRATES’ PHENOMENIC ROOKIE 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 putting in the work, that kind of thing. The expectation was definitely to win the national championship when we were there. That was the only thing we wanted to do.
“But as far as being selected first overall, being called up every time I’ve been called up, and now the All-Star Game, there was no expectation on 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, throws 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 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 major leagues after needing just 12 minor league starts before his debut.
“I think what we see in him is he’s a No. 1 guy, he’s really got some elite quality,” manager Derek Shelton said of Skenes. “What we see in him is his ability to improve as he makes his starts. I think even the last two starts, the first two 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 a really rare thing for a young pitcher.”
There were several other firsts for National League pitchers alongside Skenes at 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, throws 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 either a first-time or second-time All-Star, with the exception of Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale, who will be pitching in his eighth All-Star Game.
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