MLB All-Star Game: Skenes makes history; Judge, Soto lead American League

The starting lineups for the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field have officially been set ahead of the 94th Midsummer Classic on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes got the nod on the mound for the National League team after a terrific first season at the majors. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft has a 6-0 record and a 1.90 ERA in 11 starts. Skenes is just the fifth rookie pitcher to ever earn the honor of starting in the All-Star game.

NL manager Torey Lovullo said it was a no brainer to start the rookie sensation.

“Paul is everything right about this game,” Lovullo said Monday at Globe Life Field. “Youthfulness, his ability to balance what he’s had to go through this season, he does it with humility and he does it very, very well.”

Skenes was present and sat beside Lovullo at the announcement of the lineups for Tuesday’s All-Star game. The former LSU star said it was an honor to get the start as a rookie.

“It’s pretty dang cool to even be in this position,” Skenes said. “To be at the All-Star Game in the first place, I’m just super grateful for the opportunity. I’m super excited.”

AL manager Bruce Bochy announced that Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes would be the starter for his squad. Burnes has posted a 9-4 record in 19 starts this season with 110 strikeouts and a 2.43 ERA. A seven year veteran, Bouchy said it was time that Burnes had his opportunity to be a starter in this game.

“I think you have to look at the resume and what he’s done in baseball,” Bouchy said. “He’s had an incredible career and this is his fourth consecutive All-Star Game. What he’s done this year with Baltimore, they’re leading their division and he’s a big reason for that. In my mind it’s just his time to start an All-Star Game and that’s why I chose him.”

Both standout pitchers will have their hands full with talented lineups at the plate. Fans won’t have to wait long to see Skenes duel with home run leader Aaron Judge, who is batting fourth for the AL. Cleveland left fielder Steven Kwan is leading off for the AL, followed by Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who is third in the majors with 28 home runs. Yankees outfielder Juan Soto is batting third.

Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien was the lone Texas player to start, leaving Corey Seager as a reserve.

“Looking at the lineup, there’s no breaks there,” Skenes said. “There’s no free outs. It is the All-Star Game, I’m looking forward to attacking them head on.”

Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte will lead off for the NL followed by Shohei Ohtani, Philadelphia shortstop Trea Turner and Bryce Harper batting cleanup.

The full line-up for each team can be found below along with reserves:

American League starters

1. Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians, LF

2. Gunnar Henderson,Baltimore Orioles, SS

3. Juan Soto, New York Yankees, RF

4. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees, CF

5. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros, DH

6. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians, 3B

7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays, 1B

8. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles, C

9. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers, 2B

Pitcher: Corbin Burnes, Baltimore Orioles

National League starters

1. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks, 2B

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers, DH

3. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies, SS

4. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies, 1B

5. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers, C

6. Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers, RF

7. Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies, 3B

8. Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers, CF

9. Jurickson Profar, San Diego Padres, LF

Pitcher: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates