Paul Skenes was chosen for his first All-Star game not long after he started playing in the major leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 22-year-old pitcher was selected by Major League Baseball to join the National League team for the game on July 16 in Arlington, Texas.
“It’s happened quickly,” Skenes said. “I hope I can take some time to soak it all in and enjoy the experience. It’s a really great opportunity.”
Skenes is likely to pitch in one more game before the All-Star break, making him a potential starter for the NL team.
“That would be cool. I don’t have any expectations,” he said. “I’m not sure who decides that, but it would definitely be cool.”
He made his debut on May 11 and has a record of 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 starts, striking out 78 batters in 59 1/3 innings. He’s thrown 74 pitches at speeds of 100 mph or more.
“I’m really grateful to all of you,” Skenes told his teammates in the clubhouse after manager Derek Shelton informed him of his selection. “Since day one, I’ve felt like part of the team. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
If Skenes plays in the All-Star game, he would have played in the fewest number of games before the game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The previous record holders are Mark Fidrych in 1976, Hideo Nomo in 1995, and Dontrelle Willis in 2003, each with 13 games.
Skenes is excited about the possibility of facing Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the New York Yankees.
