WASHINGTON -- Putting together arguably their best first half in more than a decade, the Pirates were hopeful that more winning would correlate with sending more players to the All-Star Game.
However, the only Pirate named to the National League All-Star team during Saturday night’s roster reveal was ace Paul Skenes. It’s the third consecutive All-Star nod for Skenes, who started each of the past two Midsummer Classics for the NL.
MLB announced on Tuesday that fellow Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft will take Skenes’ place on the NL roster. Skenes is scheduled to pitch on Sunday, two days before the Midsummer Classic.
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Even with Wednesday’s rocky outing in Philadelphia -- the site of this year’s All-Star Game -- Skenes still has a respectable 3.62 ERA and 119 strikeouts (fifth most among NL pitchers). The right-hander is the third pitcher in Pirates history to make three consecutive All-Star Games, joining Rip Sewell (1943-46; the ‘45 game was not played due to World War II) and Roy Face (1959-61).
“I know he's been in a tough stretch right now, but he certainly deserves it,” manager Don Kelly said. “He's one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues, and [he] totally deserves to be on that stage. There's nobody that really wants to face Paul.”
With Skenes eventually needing a replacement, he wasted no time campaigning for his rotation mate after Saturday’s game.
“That’s not going to change. … I’m throwing on Sunday,” Skenes said. “I would hope that would open up a spot, and hopefully, Braxton takes it.”
Ashcraft is in his first full season as an MLB starter after multiple injury-riddled seasons and time out of the bullpen in 2025. He has blossomed into one of Pittsburgh’s best, tallying nine wins.
Here’s a closer look at the Pirates’ All-Star pitchers:
Paul Skenes, RHP
Previous All-Star appearances: 2 (2024, ‘25)
Something to know: Skenes is the fourth pitcher in MLB history to make the Midsummer Classic in each of his first three seasons, joining Yu Darvish, Dwight Gooden and Tom Seaver.
Braxton Ashcraft, RHP
Previous All-Star appearances: N/A
Something to know: Ashcraft is in his first full season as an MLB starter, recording a 3.24 ERA in 108 1/3 innings. He started only eight Major League games before 2026.