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Paul Skenes is the only Pirate representing Pittsburgh in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. As a rookie last season, he earned the honor of starting the annual event, and thankfully, history will repeat itself.
Zack Wheeler announced on Friday night that he is opting out of the game, and was one of the favorites, alongside Skenes, to start the game. Now that he will not be participating, Skenes was named the starting pitcher for the National League for the second year in a row on Saturday night, a fitting honor.
Skenes is very well deserving and has had his pitch count limited in recent starts to be able to throw in the game. He has not exceeded 80 pitches in his last two starts, and the coaching staff announced that his workload shift was related to pitching in the All-Star Game. Wheeler sitting out made reality feel just about official 24 hours before the selection was made.
Every time Skenes makes a start, it feels like he does something incredible. In Game 1 against the Twins, he reached 300 career strikeouts in just his 43rd career start. He is one of only 17 other major league pitchers to tally that many in 43 starts. Surely that piece of history will help the 23 year old's case to start the game.
Pirates' Paul Skenes is the starting pitcher for the National League now that Zack Wheeler has opted out of the All-Star Game.
2025 could be a very remarkable year for Skenes after adding these accolades. His 2.01 ERA, 9.74 K/9, and 0.93 WHIP put him in great position to win the Cy Young award as well. Earning both honors would make Skenes one of the most decorated second-year starters in MLB history, if not the top man.
Oneil Cruz will join Skenes on the trip to Altanta, but will only be there for the Home Run Derby. Skenes will be able to watch the slugger that he believes has the best batting practice talent he's ever seen. That's all Pirates fans will be able to look forward to over the break. Skenes starting the game will make things a whole lot better.