The Allure of the MLB All-Star Starting Pitchers
Being the starting pitcher in the MLB All-Star Game is not just an honor; it's a testament to a player's mastery on the mound. The list of those who have shouldered the responsibility in the past is adorned with legends. Don Drysdale, Lefty Gomez, and Robin Roberts each had the distinction of starting five All-Star Games. Jim Palmer, Max Scherzer, and Randy Johnson followed closely, with four starts each.
This year’s All-Star Game promises to add another illustrious chapter, hosted by the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, after their triumphant championship season. All eyes will be on the pitching rotations, filled with stellar performers from both leagues.
American League: A Lineup of Aces
The American League’s lineup boasts a mix of well-established names and rising stars. Tyler Anderson, Corbin Burnes, Garrett Crochet, Logan Gilbert, Tanner Houck, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Tarik Skubal represent the crème de la crème. Logan Gilbert is set to start next Sunday, continuing his impressive streak. However, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Seth Lugo.
Lugo has had an extraordinary season, leading the league in wins, ERA, and WAR, while also logging the most innings pitched. The Royals' decision to sign Lugo to a two-year deal last offseason paid off magnificently. Reflecting on his journey, Lugo transitioned from being a reliever for five years with the Mets to a full-time starting role with the Padres last season. It's a transition that has seen him flourish. "He's pitched like an ace all year, posting a career year at age 34. That's all kinds of fun," one enthusiast remarked.
Even with the spotlight on Lugo, the contributions of Crochet, Ragans, and Skubal can't be understated, especially given their dominance on the strikeout leaderboard. Corbin Burnes, the former Cy Young winner, adds a touch of established excellence to the roster.
National League: Powerhouses on the Mound
Across the diamond, the National League counters with its own set of formidable pitchers. Tyler Glasnow, Shota Imanaga, Reynaldo López, Chris Sale, Paul Skenes, Ranger Suárez, Logan Webb, and Zack Wheeler are set to take the stage. Leading the innings pitched and ranking seventh in ERA, Logan Webb stands out as a workhorse. In terms of ERA, Sánchez leads the pack, with Chris Sale closely tailing him in second place.
Sale’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, as he leads in wins and WHIP, and ranks third in strikeouts. Tyler Glasnow, topping the strikeout charts, promises to bring sheer firepower to the game.
However, the name on everyone's lips is Paul Skenes. Drafted first overall, Skenes is making history as the first pitcher taken at the top of the draft to make it to the All-Star team in the following season. Despite starting the season in Triple-A due to the Pirates' cautious management, Skenes has been electric. With a 5-0 record, a 2.12 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts over 59 1/3 innings, his meteoric rise is captivating.
"Think about Skenes facing Altuve, Soto, and Judge and tell me you'd rather someone else start. C'mon. This is dream-type stuff," gushed an excited observer. Even if Skenes only pitches one inning in the All-Star game, facing the likes of Jose Altuve, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, with Yordan Alvarez waiting in the wings, is the stuff of legends.
Skenes' journey is a fairy tale in the making, but he's not eligible for the ERA title due to his workload. Nevertheless, his mere presence adds an aura of excitement and unpredictability that fans crave.
The Stage is Set
As the countdown to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game continues, the spotlight will firmly be on the pitching duels. With a rich blend of seasoned veterans and breakout stars, both leagues promise a showdown that will be remembered for years to come. The pitchers, honored with starting the game, will etch their names into the history books, joining a storied lineage of greats who have thrilled fans with their prowess on the mound.