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Paul Skenes Sends Clear Clayton Kershaw Message After Controversial All-Star Selection

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 11:49 AM ET

Fans and pundits, especially on social media, recently objected to Los Angeles Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw making the 2025 MLB All-Star Game as a Legacy Pick.

Don’t count Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes among those displeased with Kershaw’s presence in Atlanta. In fact, Skenes recently admitted that he plans on taking full advantage of his time with the three-time Cy Young winner.

“I’m hoping that Kershaw isn’t tired of me by the time the All-Star Game is done,” Skenes told MLB Network Radio.

Kershaw, who turned 37 in March, owns a 3.38 ERA in 50 2/3 innings. However, seeing as the veteran lefty is potentially in his final season, Major League Baseball wanted to ensure that Kershaw has one last All-Star selection on his resume.

“I’m going to go over there and pick his brain as much as I can just because of everything he’s accomplished in this game,” Skenes added. “That’s going to be a pinch-me moment. Just a cool opportunity to share a clubhouse with him for a day.”

The 23-year-old Skenes will start his second consecutive All-Star Game for the NL. Skenes entered the All-Star Break leading NL pitchers in bWAR (4.8) and ERA (2.01), adding a 131-30 K-BB ratio for the last-place Pirates.

However, Skenes is only 4-8 on a Pirates team likely headed for its ninth losing season in 10 years. Pittsburgh is 39-58, though the Pirates are at least 27-32 under interim manager Don Kelly.

Although the National League already confirmed that Skenes will start, it is unclear when Kershaw will pitch in the All-Star Game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday that he plans on using Kershaw early.

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

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