Paul Skenes secures second All-Star selection with Pirates

In Seattle on July 6, 2025, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes earned his place on the National League All-Star team for the second consecutive season. This remarkable achievement makes him the first Pirates player to receive All-Star recognition in both of his initial Major League seasons. Skenes has made a significant impact since his debut and has established himself as a top performer for the Pirates. Before an outing that same day, he held a commendable 2.03 earned run average (ERA) over this season, ranking him among the best in franchise history during the pre-All-Star break period. Furthermore, Skenes has had one of the lowest batting averages against any Pirates pitcher with a substantial number of innings pitched, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Unfortunately, despite Skenes’ individual achievements and strong performances, the Pirates faced significant difficulties in their games leading up to this announcement. They suffered their third consecutive shutout loss on July 6, 2025, against the Seattle Mariners, with the score being 1-0. The Pirates had already lost 6-0 to the Mariners on July 5, 2025, and were unable to score over the weekend, marking a historic scoreless streak. This unfortunate sequence tied the major league record for experiencing six consecutive shutouts, illustrating the team’s ongoing struggles and inability to convert Skenes' excellent pitching efforts into wins. In the game on July 6, Skenes performed admirably, striking out ten batters and allowing only five hits in his five-inning outing, reducing his ERA to 1.94. However, his record stands at a disappointing 4-7, reflecting the challenges the Pirates have faced in scoring runs. Despite Skenes’ talent, the team has been unable to provide him with run support in several games. The Mariners’ only run came from a home run by Randy Arozarena, marking his 14th home run of the season. The Mariners’ victory suggests that while Skenes is thriving as an individual player, the Pirates need to revamp their offensive strategy to complement their star pitcher. As the 2025 MLB All-Star Game approaches, scheduled for July 15 at Atlanta's Truist Park, Skenes joins a notable group of Pirates pitchers selected for consecutive All-Star appearances. He is now among only three other pitchers in Pirates history to achieve this feat. These include Rip Sewell and Bob Veale, who made All-Star appearances for two consecutive seasons. Skenes' continued success as a young player emphasizes the potential he holds for the franchise and the hope Pirates fans have for his contributions moving forward in the season. This selection serves as a poignant reminder of his talents, contrasting the team's recent performances and the need for improved collective efforts to bolster the Pirates' standing in the league.