Game Will Feature 32 First-Timers
Just two months ago, Paul Skenes was pitching in the minor leagues. Next week, he’ll be pitching in the MLB All-Star Game.
The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom leads a cast of reserve players for the 94th Midsummer Classic that will be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on July 16.
In all, there were 32 first-timers selected for the American and National League rosters.
Skenes becomes the first player in MLB history to be drafted No. 1 overall and then become an All-Star the following season.
Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz got his first nod as an All-Star. He will team up in the NL infield with Los Angeles Dodgers veterans Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman — both making their eighth All-Star Game.
Of the 13 pitchers on the NL squad, there are 10 guys who are first-timers and the other three are going for just the second time. Matt Strahm of the Philadelphia Phillies, who loves collecting cards, earned his first All-Star appearance in his ninth season.
On the AL side, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. — a big collector as well — will play in his first All-Star Game. Teammate Salvador Perez is an All-Star for the ninth time, and is the senior most players on either roster.
Tarik Skubal has had a phenomenal first half of the season on the mound for the Detroit Tigers and was rewarded with an All-Star nod.
The Philadelphia Phillies, which have the best record in baseball at 58-32, have the most All-Stars with seven. That includes three starting position players and four pitchers.
