Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal certainly has a flair for the dramatic.
Shortly after posting a career outing in a 5-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, Skubal found out he would be an All-Star for the very first time. The 27-year-old left-hander is the odds-on favorite to win the American League Cy Young and now, he may very well start the 94th Midsummer Classic.
Skubal is 10-3 on the season and ranks first in the AL in WHIP (0.90) and third in ERA (2.37) and strikeouts (132). Before hearing the good news, Skubal recorded 13 strikeouts on Sunday, allowing only one earned run while walking zero batters. In doing so, he became only the second Tigers hurler in history to post such a line (Mickey Lolich, 1968).
Alongside Skubal, 2021 Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes of the Baltimore Orioles is an option to take the hill to start for the AL alongside a host of first-time All-Stars.
Here is the complete list of AL pitchers.
Meanwhile, following the announcement of this year’s All-Star pitchers and reserves, the Central-leading Cleveland Guardians will be the most-represented team in the AL. In addition to All-Star starters Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan, first baseman Josh Naylor, designated hitter David Fry and reliever Emmanuel Clase will make the trip to Arlington, the most for the franchise since six players were elected in 2018.
The Kansas City Royals finished second with four players. Along with pitchers Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, breakout shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. leads the pack. Veteran Royals catcher Salvador Perez was likewise named to the squad, becoming only the fifth backstop in MLB history to make the All-Star team nine or more times with one team.
Here are the rest of this year’s AL reserves.
Other notable names from the American League roster include Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, second baseman Marcus Semien from the defending World Series Champion Texas Rangers and Oakland A’s rookie closer Mason Miller.
The 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will take place on July 16 at Globe Life Field, home of the Rangers.