The Pittsburgh Pirates have built a roster right on the fringe of contention at 45-48 and have not made the postseason since 2015, leaving questions about some organizational decisions over the years.
One thing that you cannot question, however, is Pirates general manager Ben Cherington’s decision to draft former LSU right-hander Paul Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft. There were a handful of elite prospects on the board and many speculated that outfielder and LSU teammate Dylan Crews could be the first player to hear his name called.
Fortunately, Skenes was the selection, and less than one year later, he will be starting the MLB All-Star Game — a recognition that punctuates a rookie season that is hard to fathom.
WARNING: A heat wave is about to hit Texas.
Paul Skenes has been named the starting pitcher for the National League at the All-Star Game 👏 pic.twitter.com/wjOKiloWOm
Skenes is just the fifth pitcher to ever start the All-Star Game but the first to do so with just 11 appearences under his belt. The 22-year-old has a 1.90 ERA with a 89-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .202 batting average against and a 0.92 WHIP in 66 1/3 innings this season.
Now Skenes will get to square off against superstars such as New York Yankees Aaron Judge and Juan Soto on one of the biggest stages MLB has to offer.
The MLB All-Star Game will be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.
