Pedro Martinez Issues Lofty Challenge to AL's Corbin Burnes Before 2024 MLB All-Star Game

On Monday, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes was named the starter for the American League ahead of Tuesday night's All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.

Burnes, 29, reportedly received the news this morning in a phone call from MLB legend Pedro Martinez. According to ESPN , Martinez informed the Orioles' right-hander that he'd been given the nod by Texas Rangers skipper Bruce Bochy - the manager of the AL All-Star team.

Martinez, an eight-time All-Star, also issued a lofty challenge to the American League starting pitcher. He hopes to see Burnes mirror his outstanding performance from the 1999 MLB ASG, where Martinez won MVP after striking out four batters to open the game.

"I hope you can do what I did 25 years ago," Martinez said, via ESPN.

"I'll do my best," Burnes said. "That's a lot to keep up with."

Outside of a 2019 campaign that saw him post a career-worst 8.82 ERA, Burnes has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since entering the majors in 2018 with Milwaukee.

Among MLB pitchers with over 50 starts since 2020, Burnes' 2.78 ERA ranks fifth-best and his strikeout total (857) is the most of any qualified pitcher during that stretch.

The 2024 MLB All-Star game will get underway Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Related: MLB All-Star Game: American League Manager Irks Fans With Starting Pitcher Selection