Tarik Skubal sends a message to Pirates’ Paul Skenes

A pair of aces will start the Midsummer Classic, and each have strong respect for each other’s craft.

On Saturday, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was named the American League’s starter for the All-Star Game, representing the National League will be Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Skubal is the first Tiger to start the All-Star Game since Max Scherzer in 2013. On the season he is 10-3 with a 2.23 ERA. 

Skenes is starting for the National League for the second consecutive year, he is 4-8 with a 2.01 ERA so far this season. 

Ahead of the Midsummer Classic, each pitcher shared their respects for each other, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. 

“I think the way he carries himself is great,” Skubal said regarding Skenes. “I’ve ran into him a couple times. The head on his shoulders, he’s very mature, he knows his routine, he’s bought into what makes him good. I feel like he’s always trying to get better at something. It shows with who he is on the mound.”

Skenes also shared a similar sentiment when asked about Skubal. 

“We obviously do it differently,” Skenes said. “He has probably a couple less pitches than I do and uses his stuff differently. But there’s definitely stuff to learn from him, with how he uses all his pitches together. It’s fun to watch.”

Skubal and his Tigers currently hold Major League Baseball’s best record, and will look to continue their World Series trajectory following the All-Star break.