Pirates Paul Skenes selected to All-Star Game

Jun 5, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images For the third straight year, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace pitcher Paul Skenes has been selected to the National League All-Star team.Despite his recent struggles Skenes still has All-Star caliber numbers, but there was some surprise that rotation partner Braxton Ashcraft did not receive the nod given the incredible season he’s had.

Still though, Skenes is honored to once again be selected. Skenes is in rarified air as he joins Rip Sewell and Elroy Face as the only Pirates’ pitchers to be selected to three-consecutive All-Star teams. He’s also the first Bucco since Andrew McCutchen to be named to three-straight All-Star games.

“It’s always awesome. It’s an awesome recognition,” Skenes said. “The All-Star Game is always fun, so it’s gonna be cool.”

Paul Skenes on his selection to the 2026 All-Star Game:"I was shocked that I was the only [Pirate]… we have the 3rd most runs in baseball. Our offense is just a buzzsaw…"

⬇️ pic.twitter.com/VrWAyosQUM— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) July 5, 2026Although this has been mostly a down year for Skenes, he still sits near the top of what has been a stacked group of NL pitchers this season.

The reigning Cy-Young Award winner has a 3.62 ERA with 119 strikeouts, which ranks fourth in the NL. He’s also holding opposing batters to a .

211 batting average, and still has a very respectable 1.01 WHIP on the season. Even in his worst year as a pro, Skenes is still very worthy of this All-Star nomination.

Skenes joins Yu Darvish, Dwight Gooden and Tom Seaver as the only pitchers in MLB history to be named to the All-Star Game in each of their first three seasons.Manager Don Kelly reaffirmed that Skenes deserves his All-Star nod.“I know he’s been in a tough stretch right now, but he certainly deserves it,” Kelly sai