Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Diamondbacks manager could give MLB All-Star Game a massive ratings boost

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Jul 12, 2024 10:15 AM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has the responsibility of choosing who will be starting on the mound for the National League during the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

Following Pittsburgh Pirates rookie flamethrower Paul Skenes' historic seven-inning, no-hit outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, Lovullo hinted that the right-hander could get the nod for Tuesday's showcase.

NL All Star manager Torey Lovullo has not made an official decision on who will start the All Star Game, but yes, like everyone else, he’s quite impressed with Pirates rookie Paul Skenes.
‘I want to hit just right on the sweet spot. …We want the world to watch this game. And I…
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 11, 2024

The NL All-Star starting pitcher won’t be announced until Monday, but every indication is pointing towards Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes.
NL manager Torey Lovullo says all of the starters are deserving, ‘‘but in particular, Paul Skenes. He's been an unbelievable addition…
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 12, 2024

The Midsummer Classic has long been an afterthought for baseball fans during the "dog days of summer." The contest briefly added some additional excitement from 2003-2016, when home-field advantage for that year's World Series would be decided based on which league won the game, but without that incentive, ratings have plunged in recent years.

It's almost certain that Skenes will appear at some point during Tuesday's exhibition, but if Lovullo tabs him as the starter and fans know exactly when to park themselves on the couch to watch, ratings should skyrocket.

The 22-year-old has been must-see television since making his big-league debut in May and has somehow exceeded expectations since being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft.

When he debuted two months ago, few would've thought he could be in strong contention to start the All-Star Game. He's not only the most deserving candidate but is also arguably the biggest name to watch for the contest, overshadowing the likes of MVP frontrunners Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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