- Sep 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal Make History As 2025 MLB All-Star Game Starters

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 4:35 PM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher Paul Skenes and Detroit Tigers Starting Pitcher Tarik Skubal are set to start the 2025 MLB All-Star Game tomorrow in Atlanta. With their great first halves of the regular season, this dynamic duo has made history.

They are the first pair of MLB All-Star Game starters to enter the game with 130+ strikeouts, sub-2.25 ERA, and a WHIP under 1. Skenes is leading the league in ERA, eighth in strikeouts, and fifth in WHIP. He has been let down by a miserable Pirates offense. He has a 4-8 record this season. Skubal has been helped by playing on the best team in Major League Baseball. He is third in the league in wins, third in ERA, third in strikeouts, and leading the league in WHIP. How will they perform tomorrow?

What To Expect From Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal Tomorrow

Paul Skenes & Tarik Skubal are the first pair of MLB All-Star Game starters to each enter with 130+ strikeouts, a sub-2.25 ERA & sub-1.00 WHIP. pic.twitter.com/xZeK1RKyba

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 14, 2025

It is a different era in the All-Star Game. Starting pitchers are not expected to carry a heavy burden. Skenes, who started the game last year for the National League, pitched a lone inning. The same workload is expected in this year’s iteration of the “Midsummer Classic.” With that being the case, these aces will look to make the most of their limited opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Skenes and Skubal are the favorites to win the Cy Young in their respective leagues. Following great first halves, they will look to keep turning heads this summer.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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