According to reports, Paul Skenes’ nomination as a potential starter for the MLB All-Star Game is not going over well with baseball’s closest supporters.
Skenes, who is currently dating LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, made history this past weekend by becoming the first draft pick ever to be selected to the All-Star Game in his rookie season.
While his romance with Dunne has generated more attention, the 22-year-old has had a blistering start to his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 starts and striking out 78 batters in 59 1/3 innings.
He also threw an impressive 74 pitches of 100 mph or better for the Pirates.
Given his stunning form in Pittsburgh, many expect Skenes to start the 2024 All-Star Game for the National League on July 16.
Paul Skenes being floated as a possible starter for the MLB All-Star Game is not going down well with baseball’s inner circles
Still, the idea that he’s prioritizing baseball veterans like Ranger Suarez (Philadelphia Phillies) and Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves) has infuriated several MLB insiders, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
“I really believe people would watch Paul Skenes’ pitch, preferably early in the game,” Passan said Sunday.
‘There were a lot of people in the industry who reacted to the idea of Paul Skenes starting again, like Ranger Suarez or Chris Sale, with, “Come on, you’ve got to earn it.”
“I think Paul Skenes has captured the attention of people who want to watch baseball and that’s what the All-Star Game is about. It’s about celebrating the game and how great it can be. And Paul Skenes, guys, is great.”
Both Suarez and Sale have pitched more innings than Skenes, while an All-Star Game start could also mean more to the aforementioned two as they are in the twilight of their careers.
Skenes has been a star on the mound so far in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates
The 22-year-old is also drawing a lot of attention for his romance with Olivia Dunne
However, it appears the Pirates’ newcomer will remain a fixture in the sport for years to come.
Yet Skenes has proven to be the Major League’s biggest crowd pleaser this season because of his phenomenal skills on the mound and his wide appeal off the mound, along with his famous relationship with Dunne.
On Friday, he broke another MLB record by striking out seven or more batters in nine of his first 10 starts — something no other pitcher has ever accomplished.
The pitcher struck out eight and gave up just two earned runs on four hits in seven innings to earn the fifth win of his career, as Pittsburgh defeated the New York Mets 14-2.