Arizona Diamondbacks manager, Torey Lovullo, finds himself at the center of discussions surrounding the potential starting pitcher for the National League in the upcoming All-Star Game. With rookie sensation Paul Skenes capturing the attention of fans and experts alike, Lovullo acknowledges the pressure he faces in making this decision.

Receiving countless daily texts from various individuals, including his own family and fellow coaches, Lovullo confesses that the deliberation is challenging. "I'm getting probably seven-to-10 texts a day about who should be starting," Lovullo revealed. As the buzz continues to intensify, Lovullo acknowledges the significance of designating Skenes as the starting pitcher and the attention it would bring to the event.

In an interview with Arizona Sports, Lovullo expressed the difficulty of his decision-making process, stating, "What makes it so challenging, because I think all of the starters are all deserving of it - and I know that this is going to go out as fast as lightning - in particular, Paul Skenes. He's come on very quickly. He's been an unbelievable addition to Major League Baseball. He's created a lot of interest in Major League Baseball, and I'm going to be situationally aware of that when I'm making this decision."

While Lovullo recognizes the importance of the entertainment component and the excitement Skenes brings to the game, he also acknowledges the deserving attributes of other potential starters. Atlanta Braves' Reynaldo Lopez boasts an impressive 7-2 record with a stunning 1.71 ERA, while Ranger Suarez of the Philadelphia Phillies holds a 10-3 record with a 2.58 ERA. Both Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler are in contention; however, Wheeler's back issue and scheduled Sunday pitching may affect his chances.

Despite youth and inexperience, Skenes has proven his worth with stellar performances. After delivering seven innings of shutout, no-hit baseball against the Milwaukee Brewers, Skenes, last year's No. 1 draft pick, now stands tall with a 6-0 record, an impressive 1.90 ERA, and 89 strikeouts in 66⅓ innings over 11 outings.

Lovullo declared that he would make the best decision for the league while consulting with Major League Baseball and various coaches. This revelation sheds light on the involvement of MLB and suggests that the league and television executives, such as Fox, may lean towards selecting the Pirates' rookie phenom as the starting pitcher.

The prospect of Skenes facing off against the likes of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto in the first inning has sparked excitement within the baseball world. The pregame hype surrounding such a matchup is undoubtedly enticing, not just for Lovullo but for fans as well.

As the discussions intensify, it becomes increasingly clear that Lovullo himself shares the desire to witness Skenes' prowess on the grand stage. His candid responses hint that he, too, would favor the Pirates' prodigy as the All-Star Game starter.

In the end, Lovullo's decision will have far-reaching implications, captivating the baseball community and providing an opportunity for the sensational rookie to showcase his impressive skills against some of the league's most formidable hitters.

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