Being the starting pitcher in the MLB All-Star Game is a badge of honor that signifies a player's excellence on the mound. Only a select few have had the privilege of this assignment multiple times, with legends like Don Drysdale, Lefty Gomez, and Robin Roberts each starting five All-Star Games. Others like Jim Palmer, Max Scherzer, and Randy Johnson have started four.
As the 2024 MLB All-Star Game approaches, hosted by the reigning champions Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, anticipation is building around the starting lineups, especially on the pitching front.
American League Starting Pitchers
For the American League, the starting pitcher roster boasts a formidable lineup. This includes talents such as Tyler Anderson, Corbin Burnes, Garrett Crochet, Logan Gilbert, Tanner Houck, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Tarik Skubal. Notably, Logan Gilbert is scheduled to start next Sunday. Meanwhile, Seth Lugo has been nothing short of spectacular this season, leading the league in wins, ERA, and WAR, and having pitched the most innings.
Lugo's journey has been particularly remarkable. "Seth Lugo was mostly a reliever for his last five years with the Mets before going to full-time starting duties with the Padres last season," noted one analyst. The Royals signed him to a two-year deal last offseason, and he has pitched like an ace all year, posting a career year at age 34. That's all kinds of fun." Alongside Lugo, Crochet, Ragans, and Skubal are dominating the strikeout leaderboard, showcasing the depth of the American League's pitching prowess.
Corbin Burnes, having already secured a Cy Young award in his career, adds an edge of experience and excellence to the American League's roster, ensuring they have a well-rounded and potent pitching lineup.
National League Starting Pitchers
On the National League side, the list of starting pitchers includes Tyler Glasnow, Shota Imanaga, Reynaldo López, Chris Sale, Paul Skenes, Ranger Suárez, Logan Webb, and Zack Wheeler. Logan Webb stands out by leading in innings pitched and ranking seventh in ERA, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness on the mound.
Chris Sale has had a stellar season as well. He is second in ERA, leads in wins and WHIP, and ranks third in strikeouts for the National League. Tyler Glasnow, topping the strikeout charts, further solidifies the National League's formidable lineup.
The Phenomenon of Paul Skenes
One of the most exciting stories leading into the All-Star Game is undoubtedly Paul Skenes. The first pitcher ever taken No. 1 overall to make the All-Star team the following season, Skenes has risen swiftly through the ranks. After starting the season in Triple-A under the Pirates' cautious management, he has wowed spectators and analysts alike.
In just 10 starts, Skenes has achieved a 5-0 record with a 2.12 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts against a mere 12 walks over 59 1/3 innings. Despite not being qualified for the ERA title due to workload, Skenes's performance has been nothing short of electrifying. One can sense the anticipation as experts muse, "Think about Skenes facing Altuve, Soto, and Judge and tell me you'd rather someone else start. C'mon. This is dream-type stuff."
Such scenarios likely to play out in the All-Star Game add to the allure of the event. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see matchups such as Skenes going up against seasoned hitters like Jose Altuve, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, with potential for high drama should anyone reach base with Yordan Alvarez looming.
As the game at Globe Life Field approaches, both leagues will rely heavily on their starting pitchers to set the tone. With veterans and budding stars alike ready to take the mound, this year's MLB All-Star Game promises spectacular displays of pitching prowess, adding yet another layer of excitement to one of baseball's most cherished traditions.