Here’s Who Paul Skenes Will Have To Battle In All-Star Game Start

Paul Skenes will make all sorts of history when he takes the mound on Tuesday night, facing an elite group of hitters from the American League.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ star was named the starter for the MLB All-Star Game, becoming the first rookie since Hideo Nomo to start the big tilt. It wasn’t too big of a surprise after Skenes began his MLB career with a 1.90 ERA, 89 strikeouts, and a 6-0 record through 66 1/3 innings.

Pittsburgh’s ace will now be trusted to not only start but try and slow down a star-studded AL lineup, which was announced on Monday.

The three hitters set for Skenes to face in the first inning will be the Cleveland Guardians’ Steven Kwan, Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, and New York Yankees’ Juan Soto. Aaron Judge, for those wondering, is hitting fourth — meaning the first meeting between the rookie and 2022 AL MVP is likely to happen as well in the Midsummer Classic.

Here’s a look at the full AL lineup that Skenes will be contending with, as announced on Monday:

1. Steven Kwan, LF — Cleveland Guardians
2. Gunnar Henderson, SS — Baltimore Orioles
3. Juan Soto, RF — New York Yankees
4. Aaron Judge, CF — New York Yankees
5. Yordan Alvarez, DH — Houston Astros
6. Jose Ramirez, 3B — Cleveland Guardians
7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B — Toronto Blue Jays
8. Adley Rutschman, C — Baltimore Orioles
9. Marcus Semien, 2B — Texas Rangers

It’ll be a tall order for Skenes, but as he has shown throughout his first 11 stars, he’s ready for anything. His first All-Star Game start will be appointment television for baseball fans. Don’t miss the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, as it all goes down on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.

More MLB: Pirates Star Paul Skenes To Join Rare Company By Starting All-Star Game