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Paul Skenes learns he's NL All-Star Game starter live during interview with Dan Patrick

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•07/12/24•

AndrewEdGraham

Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes - © Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitching sensation Paul Skenes already knew he was going to be an All-Star this year, pitching for the National League squad. But he got a big surprise on top of that while on the Dan Patrick Show on Friday.

As Skenes and the show’s titular host talked, NL All-Star team manager Torey Lovullo called in. Then, he got to share the major news with Skenes: The Pirates star and former LSU ace would be starting the All-Star game for the NL team.

“Paul I just wanted to congratulate you. I’ve chosen you to be the starter for the national league in the 2024 All-Star Game. I’m really excited for you. It’s an unbelievable honor and it’s so well deserved,” Lovullo said.

After a quick round of applause for Skenes, the pitcher briefly reflected on the moment.

“Thank you. That’s unbelievable. That’s awesome,” Skenes said.

Lovullo then continued.

“You represent so many great things that this game creates. It’s such a great story, the way you’ve come on the scene, seeing the way you’ve done it with such humbleness, it’s noticeable. I’ll be honored to be your manager and I’ll be honored to be watching you throw your first pitch,” Lovullo said.

After quipping about Skenes being on a pitch count — Lovullo said the plan is a scoreless 1st inning and to go from there — Patrick asked his guest how he was feeling after the surprise news, and if there was anybody he needed to call.

Skenes said yes, his parents, but that they were both watching the interview, too. Even as Patrick told Skenes to get going, the pitcher was still marinating in the moment, and stayed on the line with Patrick for another three minutes before, presumably, dialing up mom and dad to revel in the news.

And Patrick, seeing his guest was a bit caught off by the whole deal, noted it might be the first time many have seen Skenes flustered.

“Yeah, that was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting that,” Skenes said.