Paul Skenes has become the first player to be selected with the first overall pick in the draft and then become an MLB All-Star in his first season.
The Pirates sensation is also the first rookie pitcher in Pittsburgh history to make the All-Star team after being selected to the National League roster.
Skenes, whose relationship with gymnast Olivia Dunne has heightened the attention surrounding his MLB career, has shined since he first took the mound.
He has now been named as one of 13 National League pitchers for the game, which will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington on July 16.
Skenes has technically replaced Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler, who was selected to the All-Star Game but is ineligible to pitch because he is scheduled to play against the A’s next weekend.
Paul Skenes is the first player to be the No. 1 pick and then be an All-Star in his first season.
Skenes’ relationship with Olivia Dunne has increased the attention surrounding his MLB career.
All-Star teams are selected through a combination of fan voting, player selections and MLB Commissioner’s elections.
The nine starting players for each league are decided by the fans, who make their selection in two voting phases.
The remaining rosters are then selected through player voting (with 17 spots up for grabs on each team) and the Commissioner’s Office, which is responsible for selecting six additional players from each league.
Skenes was chosen by MLB officials, who were also charged with ensuring that all teams were represented at the All-Star Game.
Skenes is one of only two Pirates players on the National League roster, along with outfielder Bryan Reynolds. The 22-year-old reportedly could be the starting pitcher in the National League.
Earlier this month, Skenes made MLB history, recording seven or more strikeouts in nine of his first 10 starts, something no other pitcher has ever done.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Dunne joined four of her fellow WAGs to watch the Pirates take on the New York Mets.
Dunne poses with her fellow Pittsburgh Pirates WAGs at PNC Park on Saturday afternoon.
