The youngest pitcher to start in the MLB All-Star Game since Doc Gooden in 1986, he made sure everyone knew why he was selected.
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes was named the National League’s starting pitcher of choice on Friday.
Just one year after being selected first overall in the draft, Skenes took the mound in Arlington, facing some of the best players in the American League.
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Pittsburgh Pirates player Paul Skenes (No. 30) pitches during the first inning of the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 16, 2024. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
His first pitch to hitting machine Steven Kwan was 98 mph, then he threw a devastating 94 mph sinker and then a 100 mph fastball that elicited a popup to shortstop.
After getting Gunnar Henderson to hit a weak grounder, he walked Juan Soto and brought Aaron Judge to the plate, but Judge grounded out on the first pitch. He struck out on four of his 16 pitches.
His night lasted just one inning, but facing four stars he proved he was worthy of the spot.
Pittsburgh Pirates player Paul Skenes (No. 30) pitches during the first inning of the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 16, 2024. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
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Skenes isn’t eligible for the ERA title — and likely won’t be this season given he was promoted in May — but 1.90 is still impressive.
He’s striking out 11.8 batters per nine innings, second-best in the major leagues among pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched, and his ERA is second-best in those conditions, trailing only Reinaldo Lopez’s 1.88.
Skenes has pitched two no-hitters, one that went six innings and one that went seven innings, but pitch count limits prevented him from making history.
Pittsburgh Pirates player Paul Skenes (No. 30) pitches during the first inning of the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 16, 2024. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
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The 22-year-old has only started 11 games so far but is living up to expectations.
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