MLB All-Star Game Highlights: Noteworthy Starting Pitchers to Watch
Being the starting pitcher in the MLB All-Star Game is a badge of honor that signifies a player's excellence on the mound. Historically, legends like Don Drysdale, Lefty Gomez, and Robin Roberts each had the distinction of starting five All-Star Games. Following close behind are Jim Palmer, Max Scherzer, and Randy Johnson, each with four starts. This year, a new cohort of star pitchers will take center stage, showcasing their elite skills in one of baseball's most celebrated events.
The 2024 MLB All-Star Game, hosted by the defending champions, the Texas Rangers, will take place at Globe Life Field. The American League and National League will feature a roster of pitchers whose performances this season have been nothing short of spectacular.
American League's Elite Arms
The American League's starting pitcher roster includes Tyler Anderson, Corbin Burnes, Garrett Crochet, Logan Gilbert, Tanner Houck, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Tarik Skubal. Each brings a unique blend of talent and stats to the game.
Logan Gilbert stands out, scheduled to start next Sunday. His performances this season have solidified his status as a clutch player. Another pitcher in the spotlight is Seth Lugo, who leads the league in wins, ERA, and WAR, and has pitched the most innings. Lugo's journey is particularly interesting: "was mostly a reliever for his last five years with the Mets before going to full-time starting duties with the Padres last season. The Royals signed him to a two-year deal last offseason and he's pitched like an ace all year, posting a career year at age 34. That's all kinds of fun."
Crochet, Ragans, and Skubal are dominating the strikeout leaderboard, with Corbin Burnes—a former Cy Young winner—adding depth and prestige to the roster.
National League's Top Performers
The National League isn't short on talent, either. Starting pitchers include Tyler Glasnow, Shota Imanaga, Reynaldo López, Chris Sale, Paul Skenes, Ranger Suárez, Logan Webb, and Zack Wheeler. Logan Webb has been a workhorse, leading in innings pitched and ranking seventh in ERA.
Meanwhile, Sánchez holds the National League ERA leader spot, with Chris Sale following closely. Sale not only ranks second in ERA but also leads in wins and WHIP, while ranking third in strikeouts. Glasnow tops the strikeout charts, reinforcing his dominant form.
Rising Star: Paul Skenes
Perhaps one of the most intriguing figures this year is Paul Skenes, the first pitcher ever taken No. 1 overall to make the All-Star team the following season. Managed cautiously by the Pirates, Skenes started the season in Triple-A but quickly demonstrated his worth. In 10 starts, he boasts a record of 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts against 12 walks over 59 1/3 innings. Although not qualified for the ERA title due to workload, Skenes has achieved remarkable feats in a short span.
An air of excitement surrounds Skenes' potential All-Star Game matchup. As one quote puts it, "Think about Skenes facing Altuve, Soto, and Judge and tell me you'd rather someone else start. C'mon. This is dream-type stuff." The prospect of seeing him pitch against some of the league's most formidable hitters, even if just for one inning, adds to the anticipation. As noted, "We don't yet know the lineups, but even if Skenes only pitches one inning, he's liable to face something like Jose Altuve, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, with Yordan Alvarez looming should anyone reach base."
Anticipation Builds
As the All-Star Game approaches, fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how these top pitchers will perform on one of the sport's biggest stages. With a rich mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the showdown at Globe Life Field promises to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially shape the narratives for the remainder of the season.