Paul Skenes doesn’t pitch like a second-year pro. He pitches like someone who’s been here for a decade. And that’s exactly why he’ll be on the mound Tuesday night in Atlanta, starting the All-Star Game for the National League-for the second straight year.
Skenes made the All-Star roster last season after just 11 big-league starts. This time, he returns with a 2.01 ERA, a WHIP under 1.00, and the admiration of players twice his age. Never mind the 2-4 win-loss record–Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw what mattered. “It was a no-brainer,” he said during media day.
He may only have 14 months of MLB experience, but Paul Skenes already feels like a cornerstone of the league. His rise-from LSU national champion to No. 1 overall pick to two-time All-Star-has been meteoric. And alongside him for much of the ride is gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne, who couldn’t be prouder. “He’s doing everything right,” she said. “People see the results. I see the grind.”
“A Star Among Stars-and Still Learning”
Veteran arms have taken notice. Clayton Kershaw, who’s making his 11th All-Star appearance, praised Skenes’ competitive edge. “There’s a lot of one-hit wonders,” Kershaw said. “But he just adapts. That’s rare.”
Even some of his early skeptics are now full believers. Rays slugger Brandon Lowe admitted to doubting the hype at first-until he saw Skenes deal. “It doesn’t seem like the big leagues are different for him,”Lowe told The Sporting News.
The last time Skenes pitched in an All-Star Game, he struck out Steven Kwan, retired Gunnar Henderson, and forced Aaron Judge into a groundout. Judge, who’s batting third for the AL this year, says he’s ready for the rematch. “It’s gonna be special,” he told The Athletic.
And fans? They’re all in. A Paul Skenes bobblehead giveaway in April drew over 37,000 to PNC Park-nearly double the Pirates’ typical crowd. It wasn’t a win, but it was vintage Skenes: seven innings, two earned runs, and a packed house hanging on every pitch.
Braves manager Brian Snitker, part of the NL coaching staff, summed it up best: “He’s built for this. The makeup, the maturity-he just gets it.”
Skenes is rewriting what’s possible for a young pitcher. Tuesday night might just be another step on a much bigger journey.
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