MLB insiders fuming at calls for Paul Skenes to start 2024 All-Star Game in rookie Pirates season: 'Got to earn it'
- Skenes has become the first ever No 1 draft pick to make it into the All-Star game
- READ MORE: Olivia Dunne organizes hilariously party for boyfriend Skenes
- READ MORE: Skenes sets MLB record as he continues to dominate on the mound
Paul Skenes being put forward as a potential starter in the MLB All-Star Game is not going down well in baseball's inner circles, according to reports.
Skenes, who is currently dating LSU gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne, made history at the weekend after becoming the first ever No 1 draft pick to be selected for the All-Star Game in his rookie season.
While his romance with Dunne has generated more attention around his name, the 22-year-old has made a blistering start to his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates; going 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 starts and 78 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings.
He has also thrown a whopping 74 pitches of 100mph or more for the Pirates.
Amid his breathtaking early form in Pittsburgh, many are calling for Skenes to start the 2024 All-Star Game for the National League on July 16.
Paul Skenes being put forward as a potential starter in the MLB All-Star Game is not going down well in baseball's inner circles
Yet according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the idea of him doing so ahead of baseball veterans such as Ranger Suarez (Philadelphia Phillies) and Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves) has left several MLB insiders fuming.
'I truly do believe people would tune in to watch Paul Skenes pitch, preferably at the beginning of the game,' Passan said Sunday.
'There were a lot of people in the industry who responded to that idea of Paul Skenes starting over say Ranger Suarez or Chris Sale with, "Come on, you got to earn it."
'What I think is, Paul Skenes has earned the eyeballs of people who want to watch baseball and that is what the All-Star Game is about, it’s celebrating the game and how great it can be and Paul Skenes, guys, is great.'
Both Suarez and Sale have thrown more innings than Skenes, while a start in the All-Star Game may also mean more to the aforementioned pair given they are in the twilight of their respective careers.
Skenes has been electric on the mound so far in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates
The 22-year-old is also generating huge attention due to his romance with Olivia Dunne
The Pirates rookie, on the other hand, appears to be destined to serve as a mainstay in the game for years to come.
Nevertheless, Skenes is proving himself the biggest draw in the major leagues this season due to his phenomenal ability on the mound and huge appeal off it amid his famous relationship with Dunne.
On Friday he broke another record in MLB after producing seven or more strikeouts in nine of his first 10 starts - something no other pitcher has ever done.
The pitcher recorded eight strikeouts and only gave up two earned runs on four hits across seven innings of work to notch the fifth win of his career as Pittsburgh beat the New York Mets 14-2.
