AL’s Corbin Burnes, NL’s Paul Skenes on center stage at All-Star Game

 

[July 16, 2024]  ARLINGTON, Texas -- The 2024 All-Star Game isn't short on storylines.

From Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. returning to his hometown under the lights to former teenage sensation Jurickson Profar of San Diego making his All-Star Game debut at age 31, there's plenty to talk about going into the 94th Midsummer Classic set for Tuesday night at Globe Life Field, home of the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers.

But the one player who is generating the most buzz is Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, who will start for the National League. The right-hander, the top overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, is having a sensational rookie season, going 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 11 starts.

"Pretty dang cool to even be in this position, to be at the All-Star Game in the first place," Skenes said during a pregame news conference on Monday. "Just super grateful to be given the opportunity to start it."

NL manager Torey Lovullo, who guided the Diamondbacks to the NL pennant last season, said the decision to give Skenes the starting nod was a "no-brainer."

"Paul is everything right about this game," Lovullo said. "You mentioned youthfulness. He just got drafted. Youthfulness of the All-Star Game. Just his ability to balance what he's had to go through over the past year has been amazing. He does it with humility. He does it very, very well."

For the American League, manager Bruce Bochy of the Rangers is going with Corbin Burnes, ace of the Baltimore staff. Burnes, who had yet to arrive at the All-Star Game when Monday's press conference began, is 9-4 with a 2.43 ERA in 19 starts. The right-hander, in his first season with Baltimore after six with the Milwaukee Brewers, is making his fourth straight All-Star appearance and first start.

"What he's done this year in Baltimore, you know, they're leading their division. He's a big reason for that," Bochy said. "In my mind, it's just his time. It's his time to start an All-Star Game. That's why I chose him."

As far as the lineups, there is plenty of power and versatility throughout. Both managers kept teammates together in the Nos. 3-4 spots with the AL boasting New York Yankees stars Juan Soto and Aaron Judge back-to-back, while the NL will go with Philadelphia Phillies stars Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.

Jul 11, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Just how deep are the lineups in general? Well, left fielder Profar is batting ninth for the NL and Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien is batting ninth for the AL. Profar - who made his major league debut at age 19 with the Rangers in 2012 -- has spent most of his time as the Padres' No. 3 batter this season, while Semien is usually the leadoff man for Bochy.

"The toughest thing about the lineup is picking the last two or three," said Bochy, who is managing his fifth All-Star team.

For the game itself, both managers understand the importance of getting every player involved in some fashion. This is a glorified exhibition, after all.

The competitive juices, however, will be flowing once the game starts. Skenes said his goal is to throw 100-mph fastballs, just like he does in normal starts. And he would be more than OK matching up against Judge on the All-Star stage.

"Yeah, it will be cool," Skenes said.

However, Bochy chimed in: "I hope he does. It means one guy got on."

In the end, the back-and-forth banter is all in good fun. Just like the All-Star Game is meant to be.

"This is an absolute honor to be sitting up here," Lovullo said. "With this group beside me, I get a chance to sit among the biggest stars in the game. It's going to be one of the absolute baseball highlights of my life."

The NL won last year's game, ending what had been a nine-year winning streak by the AL. Overall, the AL owns the all-time series 47-44-2.

--Drew Davison, Field Level Media

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