In a stunning announcement made on Friday morning, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes has been named the National League starting pitcher for the upcoming 2024 MLB All-Star Game. Despite having only 11 starts in his major-league career, the 22-year-old phenom has showcased outstanding performances against MLB hitters with an impressive 6-0 record and a remarkable 1.90 ERA this season.

NL manager Torey Lovullo of the Diamondbacks decided to break convention by revealing Skenes as the starting pitcher in advance, deviating from the usual Monday press conference tradition. Lovullo's decision comes as no surprise, considering Skenes' extraordinary statistics and dominant presence on the mound.

The LSU product, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has showcased his prowess by striking out 89 batters while only allowing 13 walks in 66 1/3 innings of play. Skenes' latest dazzling outing took place on Thursday, where he pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 before being replaced by the Pirates' bullpen.

Skenes will be facing a formidable American League lineup in the All-Star Game, potentially led by sluggers such as Gunnar Henderson, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto. The 6-foot-6 right-hander's stellar performance so far, excluding his shaky MLB debut, has resulted in an impressive 1.59 ERA.

Not only does Skenes' selection mark a significant achievement for the young pitcher, but it also ends a lengthy drought for the Pittsburgh Pirates when it comes to having a starting pitcher in the All-Star Game. The last time a Pirates pitcher took the mound at the Midsummer Classic was in 1975, when Jerry Reuss represented the team. This momentous occasion adds to Skenes' growing list of achievements as he continues to make waves in the baseball world.

The 2024 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 16, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the home stadium of the Texas Rangers, who are the reigning World Series champions.

As fans eagerly await the game, all eyes will be on Paul Skenes as he prepares to showcase his incredible talent on one of baseball's biggest stages. With his exceptional skills and meteoric rise in the majors, Skenes has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, promising an exhilarating All-Star Game for fans around the world.