“Definitely feel like I’m one of them” - Paul Skenes opens up on fitting in a clubhouse full of elite players after successful MLB All-Star debut

National League starter Paul Skenes was hot on the mound during the All-Star Game as he recorded scoreless innings against a stacked-up American League batting lineup. He got through the frame in 16 pitches, recording just one walk and three outs.

Paul Skenes made history this year as he became the first ever No. 1 draft pick to start in the All-Star game. He also became the first ever rookie starter in the ASG in almost 30 years. Hideo Nomo was the last to achieve this distinction in 1995.

Paul Skenes faced the top of the American League lineup full of big names. MLB's best at-bat this season, Steven Kwan managed 4 pitches in the leadoff position, grounding out to a 99.9 mph fastball to shortstop Trea Turner. Out came Gunnar Henderson, who went ahead on a 1-2 count before hitting a grounder straight to Skenes for the second out.

The Pirates pitcher faced his toughest assignment in the next at-bat as Yankees superstar Juan Soto drew out a full count for a walk. This brought Aaron Judge to the mound for a marquee clash, but Paul Skenes came out on top, getting a groundout against the Bombers captain to cap off the innings.

After the game, Skenes was asked about the nervousness or excitement running in his veins, to which he said:

"I don’t think I blacked out, but I was pretty close.’’

For a young starter like Skenes, the clubhouse aura can be very intimidating, but the rookie said that he never felt like an outsider on Tuesday.

“The coolest part about it is they’re so accepting and welcomed me with open arms into the clubhouse. Definitely feel like I’m one of them.”

Paul Skenes treasures time spent with Shohei Ohtani

After his innings, Skenes remained in the dugout as he followed the game up close for more valuable insights. After a few innings, he returned to the clubhouse for some more time with his NL teammates. One of them happened to be Shohei Ohtani.

“I tried to enjoy the three hours or so that I had on the same team with him because that’s probably only going to happen once a year,” Skenes said about his Dodgers teammate.

Skenes will return to Pirates, hoping to improve on his already world-class 6-0, 1.90 ERA record. If he continues in this form, he might have a shot at the National League Cy Young Award.