PHOENIX — Making Paul Skenes the All-Star Game starting pitcher for the National League after just 11 career appearances was a difficult decision for Arizona manager Torey Lovullo, but one he felt was correct.
The positive vibes he received following Friday's announcement only made the manager more confident.
''I think I got it right,'' Lovullo said.
Skenes will become the fifth rookie pitcher given that honor when he takes the mound on Tuesday night in Arlington, Texas. Lovullo, who will lead the NL team, made the announcement earlier Friday on SiriusXM MLB Network Radio.
''It's really cool," Skenes said in Chicago. "There are a lot of really good pitchers who are just as deserving. To even be in the conversation is really cool. To be named the starter is surreal.''
A 21-year-old right-hander, Skenes was selected by Pittsburgh with the top pick in last year's amateur draft. He made his major league debut on May 11 and is 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA, striking out 89 and walking 13 in 66 1/3 innings.
''I think he's everything right about this game,'' Lovullo said on Friday at Chase Field. ''It's a game of opportunity and he's clearly taken advantage of the time he's had here. His wins above replacement are as high as anybody and that's something I looked at.''
Lovullo said he spent four or five days making the decision, asking several friends around the game for opinions. He also asked players in the Diamondbacks clubhouse what they thought.
