Skenes and Skubal Set to Start All-Star Game Showdown

Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes is poised to make history as he takes the mound for his second consecutive All-Star Game, representing the National League. Meanwhile, Detroit's Tarik Skubal will be the starting pitcher for the American League on Tuesday night at Truist Park.

The announcement came from Major League Baseball on Saturday evening, confirming both players' roles in this prestigious matchup.

Skenes is set to become the first pitcher since Max Scherzer and Chris Sale in 2017 and 2018 to start back-to-back All-Star Games. Notably, Sale achieved a streak of three consecutive starts beginning in 2016.

In terms of performance metrics, Skenes and Skubal lead the league in average four-seam fastball velocity among pitchers with 1,500 or more pitches this season. Skenes clocks in at an impressive 98.2 mph, while Skubal follows closely at 97.6 mph, as reported by MLB Statcast.

Last year, Skenes navigated a scoreless first inning against Juan Soto in Arlington, Texas, showcasing his ability to throw up to 100.1 mph. Remarkably, he made that All-Star start after only 11 major league appearances, marking the fewest for any All-Star pitcher.

Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski, with just five appearances under his belt, could potentially break that record if he sees action on Tuesday.

Skubal, who pitched a flawless second inning in his All-Star debut last year, followed Baltimore's Corbin Burnes onto the mound.

At just 23 years old, Skenes holds a record of 4-8 but boasts a league-leading 2.01 ERA for the Pirates, who currently sit at the bottom of the NL Central. He has accumulated 131 strikeouts against 30 walks over 131 innings this season.

On the other hand, Skubal, now 28 and the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, has a stellar record of 10-3 with a 2.23 ERA. He has struck out 153 batters while allowing only 16 walks in 121 innings pitched.