Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal reveals he wants to start for the AL in All-Star Game.
The 2025 All-Star Game will feature four Detroit Tigers, with Javier Baez, Gleyber Torres, and Riley Greene confirmed as starters for the American League team. But Tarik Skubal, the Tigers' best player, is uncertain if he'll start the All-Star game for the AL.
In an article from Evan Woodberry of MLive.com, Skubal revealed how he feels about potentially starting for the American League in the All-Star game.
"It'd be an honor to start the All-Star Game," Skubal said. "It's something I want to do at least once in my career. But I don't make those decisions. It's not going to offend me or anyone like that. I want to start it, but that's out of my hands, so I don't really need to worry about it too much."
While he says he'd be okay with whatever New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone decides regarding the American League starter, he very clearly expresses his desire to be the starter for the American League in the All-Star game.
Skubal has an incredible resume this season and has very good reason to be named the starter for the AL All-Star team. He has a 2.02 ERA and a 10-2 record, along with 148 strikeouts and an MLB-best 0.81 WHIP.
While it's an incredible stats sheet, he'll have some tough competition in Yankees pitcher Max Fried. The Yankees' southpaw has a 2.27 ERA, an 11-2 record, and 111 strikeouts with a 0.96 WHIP.
MORE: Tigers' Tarik Skubal breaks silence on All-Star selection
It's not as good as Skubal's production, but with Boone and Fried being on the same team, Boone might go with Fried over Skubal. With how close their numbers are, it's a somewhat justifiable selection.
But what Skubal has done so far this season has been nothing short of remarkable. He deserves the start in the AL, even with Fried's very strong performance so far this season.
The Tigers' ace wants to be the starting pitcher for the AL All-Star team, and he has the statistics to back up his desire.
His toughest competition will be Fried, Hunter Brown from the Houston Astros, Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox, and Jacob DeGrom from the Texas Rangers.
But, of the five strongest AL All-Star starting pitchers, Skubal's numbers this season have been the best, and while Brown may have a better ERA, and Corchet more strikeouts, Skubal is overall the best pitcher.
It's going to be a tight race, and with one more start for Skubal scheduled for Saturday, July 12th, he could further strengthen his case to be named the starting pitcher for the American League All-Star team.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Guardians predicted to land haul of prospects for Emmanuel Clase at trade deadline
- Guardians could cut ties with 2024 trade deadline acquisition
- Tigers express interest in trading for Gold Glove third baseman
- All-Star Red Sox outfielder 'makes the most sense' for Padres at trade deadline
- Cardinals urged to cut ties with Miles Mikolas amid terrible outing
- Astros predicted to buy low on $13.5 million All-Star pitcher
Category: Baseball
