PHILADELPHIA — Before Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft took their seats along Ashburn Alley beyond the outfield at Citizens Bank Park on Monday afternoon, Skenes made sure to introduce Ashcraft to his good friend and Plum native Pat McAfee, who was broadcasting live from the MLB All-Star Game.
It was one of several ways Skenes, a veteran of this experience, has helped a first-timer in Ashcraft, and they proceeded to tackle a variety of topics seated side-by-side during media day — Skenes discussing ongoing labor talks and his status within the game, Ashcraft his breakout year and what has led to it.
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But there was one question posed to both that elicited the same, impassioned response: Why don’t yinz have company?
The Pirates are tied for first in runs scored (516), they have the most hits of any MLB club (886), and they’re second in OPS (.768). Yet nobody from the offense was selected.
“Someone should be here,” Skenes said. “We’ve scored the most runs in the league. You don’t do that without having really good offensive players. I know one through nine we’re very good. I know we don’t have [Shohei] Ohtani, [Bryce] Harper or [Kyle] Schwarber, who’s like the guy. But we have a lot of guys who are really good. I think that should be recognized.”
“It stinks,” Ashcraft said. “We’ve kinda been at the mercy of the fact that everybody has been doing it. We put up unbelievable numbers this year, but that’s a product of everybody contributing in a big way.
“It’s hard to say a second baseman with 21 home runs [Brandon Lowe] doesn’t deserve to be an All-Star or Bryan Reynolds doing what he’s done this year, playing every game, Ryan O’Hearn putting up the numbers he has. It stinks we don’t have more representation in that.”
Much like how manager Don Kelly talked in Spring Training about the Pirates having to earn more respect around the game, Ashcraft believes the offensive 180 that has happened in Pittsburgh might’ve caught everyone by surprise.
But should it continue through the second half and into next season, hopefully then that group will have some representation.
“I don’t know if it’s respect as much as it is attention,” Ashcraft said. “The Pirates haven’t lived up to expectations that we’ve had for ourselves in the clubhouse in years past. I still think we’re not quite there yet this year in playing our best baseball, which is a really cool opportunity because we’re playing really well right now. It’s just cool to see the trend we’re on right now. Really motivated to continue that throughout the rest of this year.”
The glow of the Pirates’ series sweep of the Brewers was certainly felt here, the same for how things have gone during the current stretch of 22 consecutive games against teams with records of .500 or better. Pittsburgh has won eight of its first 13 such contests.
Skenes has won his past two starts. Jared Jones was perfect his last time out. The bullpen took a big step forward Saturday with a pair one-run wins. The offense has provided a steady drumbeat.
It’s why Skenes and Ashcraft are so encouraged about what’s to come in the second half, as the Pirates posted their best first-half record since 2016 and won 50 games before the break for the first time since 2015.
“Certainly excited,” Skenes said. “I know we’re a good team. We just have to keep going. Optimism and excitement don’t really do anything. We have to go out there and execute the way that we have been over the past couple weeks. Just have to keep playing our brand of baseball.”
In the meantime, Skenes and Ashcraft made it a point to enjoy the journey, especially Ashcraft. He said he and his wife, Cassidy, will try to experience as much as they possibly can over these 2 1/2 days in Philadelphia, aware of what the honor means and not wanting to take anything for granted.
Ashcraft is also extremely appreciative for Skenes showing him the ropes at an event like this, briefing him on what can be expected and the two of them trying to keep it light.
(One fun anecdote: Ashcraft was filming an interview for SportsNet Pittsburgh when Skenes couldn’t help but crack a joke. “Look at him,” Skenes said. “The center of attention, just like always.”)
“A lot of things get thrown at you,” Ashcraft said. “You’re pulled in a lot of different ways. Having somebody that you’re close with, who you trust, who you’ve been around for a long time, it’s kind of reassuring. You’re not necessarily feeling like you’re going into it blind.”
Unfortunately for Pirates fans, neither will pitch in the game. Skenes started Sunday and Ashcraft had his start bumped from Friday to Saturday because of the rainout. He also had a blister on his right finger he’s trying to let heal, though he said he did toy with the idea of trying to pitch anyway.
The focus for these guys remains the second half, playing their best baseball more consistently and making a run, something that’s certainly possible given what the unrepresented group has done.
“I kind of feel bad for Pirates fans,” Skenes said. “I’d hope they can get over it a little bit because we both just won the games that we started.
“The All-Star Game is cool. But we’re gonna do some cool stuff in the regular season this year. Hopefully that means a little bit more.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.