Paul Skenes debuted on May 11, 2024, yet the young phenom is already heading to his second All-Star Game.
Skenes dazzled in his rookie season, taking home NL Rookie of the Year honors thanks to a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings. At last year’s Midsummer Classic in Arlington, Skenes became the fifth rookie pitcher to start the All-Star Game. With a 1.94 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 116 innings this season, there’s a shot he gets to do it again.
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“Last year was kind of tough at the All-Star Game because it was so new. I’m trying to get my feet under me and also getting thrown into the fire,” Skenes said during an interview on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “I had an unbelievable opportunity to meet everybody who was on the All-Star team, guys that I grew up watching. It was a little bit of a pinch-me moment when I get to face some of these guys.”
At this year’s All-Star Game in Atlanta, he has one goal in mind: He wants to pick the brain of Clayton Kershaw, who was selected to the National League’s roster as a Legend Pick.
“He’s one of the guys that I grew up watching. I’m hoping that Kershaw isn’t tired of me by the time the All-Star Game is done,” Skenes said. “I’m going to go over there and pick his brain as much as I can just because of everything he’s accomplished in this game. That’s going to be a pinch-me moment. Just a cool opportunity to share a clubhouse with him for a day.”
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