Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes, who has a 1.90 ERA in 11 starts this season, will start the All-Star Game for the National League on Tuesday night, earning praise from New York Yankees' Aaron Judge for his impressive pitching abilities.
Pittsburgh Pirates phenom pitcher Paul Skenes has impressed everyone in baseball since being called up in May. On Tuesday night, he will notch another milestone under his belt as he is set to start the All-Star Game for the National League.
Skenes, who has a sterling 1.90 ERA over 11 starts this season, has earned the start, and one of the hitters who could be facing him at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, had a lot to say about the young pitcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates' Skenes Set to Start All-Star Game, Impressing Aaron Judge with Versatility
"I have had the opportunity to watch a couple of his games since he got called up, and it's special stuff, man. Electric stuff," reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge said during an All-Star Game media availability on Monday.
All the talk surrounding Skenes is his electric arm and fastball that clocks in at triple digits on the radar gun. However, when Judge watches him on the mound, he sees much more than just a power arm.
Pittsburgh Pirates' Skenes Set to Start All-Star Game, Impressing Aaron Judge with Versatility
"You can talk about the velocity of his pitches and what he does, but the guy's a pitcher, man," Judge explained. "He can work all three, four, or five of his pitches and throw it to every part of the zone on any count. He's a complete pitcher."
Judge continued, "It's going to be fun. I think we're all excited to see him on the mound, see him do his thing, especially in his first All-Star Game. Getting the nod to be a starter is impressive, man. Definitely looking forward to facing him."
Pittsburgh Pirates' Skenes Set to Start All-Star Game, Impressing Aaron Judge with Versatility
There is a chance that Judge will not face Skenes directly, despite batting fourth in the American League All-Star lineup on Tuesday. Pitchers usually don't go more than one inning in All-Star Games to conserve arms for the second half of the regular season and to get every All-Star a chance to pitch in the game.
However, Judge's Yankees teammate Juan Soto, who will be hitting third in the AL order, plans to ensure that Judge faces Skenes.
"I'll make sure he faces him," Soto said on MLB Network's broadcast alongside Judge before the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night.
Soto also praised Skenes: "He's incredible. It's incredible to see a guy like that put in the performances he's been doing. He's a young guy just starting his career, coming up, showing his stuff, and everything. It's pretty electric stuff, so we'll see how it goes."
When asked about his approach at the plate if he does face Skenes, Judge joked, "The approach? Don't blink. That ball is coming in pretty fast."
Skenes is making history early in his career, setting franchise and league rookie records while proving he is one of the best in the game right now.
Health permitting, Skenes should be featured at All-Star Games many more times as he continues to play in MLB, and Judge expects great things from him.
"He's going to be one of the top pitchers in this game for a long time, so it's going to be exciting to get a chance to face him in this first one. I know he's going to have multiple All-Star Game starts for years to come. This is pretty cool," he said.
