Pirates rookie Paul Skenes announced as NL starting pitcher for MLB All-Star Game

Paul Skenes‘ remarkable rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates continued Friday, as he was named the National League starting pitcher for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

The 22-year-old Skenes will become only the fifth rookie pitcher to start the All-Star Game, joining Hideo Nomo (1995), Fernando Valenzuela (1981), Mark Fidrych (1976) and Dave Stenhouse (1962).

Skenes was notified of the honor by NL manager Torey Lovullo, who surprised him with the news during an interview on “The Dan Patrick Show.”

“You represent so many great things that this game craves,” Lovullo told Skenes. “It’s such a great story the way you’ve come on the scene, the way you’ve done it with such humbleness. It’s noticeable. I’ll be honored to be your manager, and I’ll be honored to be watching you throw your first pitch. I’m super excited about that.”

In his first 11 MLB starts, Skenes has a 1.91 ERA with a 6–0 record and 89 strikeouts in 66 innings. On Thursday, he made his case to be the All-Star Game starter by allowing zero hits over seven innings with 11 strikeouts against the Milwaukee Brewers.

That performance made an impact on Lovullo’s decision.

“What Paul did yesterday really hammered down the thought that he should be the guy,” Lovullo later told MLB Network Radio. “When you’re trying to spread the MLB brand globally, this was a no-brainer.”