Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes has accomplished a remarkable feat by being selected for the National League All-Star team, making history in the MLB. Skenes, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, is the first player ever to achieve this milestone the following year after being drafted, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Despite only debuting two months ago, the 22-year-old pitcher has been living up to the hype surrounding him. In his debut game against the Chicago Cubs on May 11, Skenes struck out seven hitters while allowing only one homer, six hits, and two walks. Since then, he has maintained an impressive 2.12 ERA over 10 starts, striking out 78 batters and walking just 12. The Pirates have won 7 out of the 10 games he has started.
Expressing his surprise at being selected for the All-Star Game, Skenes stated, “You definitely can’t expect it. I think it’s just a product of being present and doing the work that it takes, that kind of thing.” He emphasized that his goal was always to win the national championship during his time at LSU, and the other accomplishments were unexpected but a result of hard work.
With his exceptional pitching abilities, including a fastball that reaches triple digits on the radar gun, Skenes has quickly established himself as a rising star for the Pirates. Manager Derek Shelton praised Skenes for his elite pitching skills and ability to make adjustments during games, highlighting his maturity on the mound despite his young age.
Alongside Skenes, several other National League pitchers made their first or second All-Star appearances this year, such as Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins, Matt Strahm of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Robert Suarez of the San Diego Padres. The only exception was Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves, who participated in his eighth All-Star Game.
The selection of these talented pitchers showcases the bright future of pitching talent in the National League. Fans can stay updated on sports coverage by following Fox News Digital and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for more exciting updates in the world of sports.
