Pirates Pitcher Paul Skenes Makes History With MLB All-Star Selection

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes has taken Major League Baseball by storm this season, and now, his name is written in the record books.

Skenes, who was named to the National League All-Star team on Sunday, making him the first player ever to make an All-Star team the season after being selected No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft.

He’s also the first rookie pitcher in Pirates history to make an All-Star team. Skenes replaces Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who won’t participate in the exhibition due to being scheduled to start the day before the All-Star break.

The 22-year-old righty has put up an impressive stat line since being called up by Pittsburgh on May 11.

In 10 starts, Skenes is 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA, 78 strikeouts and just 12 walks with a 1.01 WHIP in 59 1/3 innings. He’s held batters to a .221 batting average against. Skenes has the lowest ERA among National League rookies and second-lowest among all NL pitchers with 10 or more starts.

Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, went viral on social media for celebrating his All-Star selection with a mini celebration at his home.