As the 2024 MLB All-Star Game approaches, all eyes are on the exciting matchup between Paul Skenes and Corbin Burnes. Both pit🌳chers have significantly impacted their respective leagues this season, making this duel one to watch.
Here’s a closer look at their performances, strengths, an🃏d what f𓆉ans can expect from this showdown.
MLB All-Star Game Pitching Matchup: Paul Skenes vs. Corbin Burnes
Paul Skenes, the highly-touted rookie, has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Pirates’ rotation. Known for his electric fastball that can reach the upper 90s, Skenes combines his velocity with sharp breaking pitches, making him a formidable opponent for any lineup. His ability to generate swings and misses has been a critical factor in his success this season.
The Pirates’ young ace will start for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard. Skenes received the news from NL manager Torey Lovullo, who surprised him during a Friday appearance on the Dan Patrick Show.
“So well deserv🔯ed,” . “We’re super excited to make this announcement. You repr🃏esent so many great things that this game craves. It’s such a great story, the way you’ve come on the scene, and the way you’ve done it with such humbleness. It’s noticeable. I’ll be honored to be your manager and I’m going to be honored to be watching you throw your first pitch.”
Since the Elias Sports Bureau began keeping records, only four rookie pitchers have started the All-Star Game. Skenes will be the fifth rookie to achieve this feat, joining Hideo Nomo (1995), Fernando Valenzuela (1981), Mark Fidrych (1976), and Dave Stenhouse (1962). Notably, Skenes will tie Fidrych for the fewest career starts (11) entering an All-Star start. Additional𓆏ly, Skenes will be the first Pirates pitcher in nearly 50 years to start the All-Star Game, following in the footsteps of Jerry Reuss 🌞(1975), Dock Ellis (1971), Vern Law (1960), and Bob Friend (1960 and 1956).
Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has dominated since his debut on May 11. In 11 starts, the ♕hard-throwing right-hander has recorded a 1.90 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 13 walks in 66 1/3 innings. Among pitchers with at least 60 innings this season, he ranks second in ERA and K/🐬9 (12.08), third in WHIP (0.92), and fifth in K/BB ratio (6.85).
In his most recent game against the Brewers on Thursday, Skenes pitched seven hitless innings with 11 strikeouts, marking the second time he has completed an outing without ♋allowing a hit this season.
Corbin Burnes to Start for American League in 2024 All-Star Game
Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes has been named the starting pitcher for the American League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. Burnes has had an exceptiona𒅌l season, posting a 9-4 record with a stellar 2.43 ERA and 110 strikeouts over 19 appearances.
His consistent performance and ability to maintain a low ERA have made him a key player for the Orioles and a standout choice for the All-Star Game start. This marks a significant milestone in Burnes’ already impressive career.
Burnes beat out other worthy candidates, such as Detroit’s Tarik Skubal and Chicago’s Garrett Crochet, for the honor. Burnes will be throwing to his catcher, Adley Rutschman in the top of the first inning on Tuesday with his infielder Gunnar Henderson behind him.
The 2024 MLB All-S🎉tar Game is set for tomorrow at 7:00 ♍PM CT.
