"They're all pretty dang good" - Paul Skenes opens up on facing Aaron Judge and other top players ahead of All-Star Game start

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching sensation Paul Skenes has been the talk of the MLB. The first-overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has more than lived up to the hype surrounding him. The young star pitcher has not only been effective on the mound, he has been downright untouchable.

"WARNING: A heat wave is about to hit Texas. Paul Skenes has been named the starting pitcher for the National League at the All-Star Game" - @Pirates

The 22-year-old's spectacular rookie campaign continues as Paul Skenes has not only been named to the All-Star Game but has also been named as the National League starter. It is an incredible turn of events for the young pitching phenom given the fact that he opened the year in Triple-A.

During a recent interview on the Dan Patrick Show, the conversation between Skenes and Patrick was interrupted by Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo who shared an exciting update for the Pirates star. Lovullo, who is the NL's manager for the All-Star announced that Skenes will be the starting pitcher during the event, much to the surprise of both Skenes and Dan Patrick himself.

"Paul Skenes finding out he’s gonna start the All Star Game is awesome" - @BaseballQuotes1

After discovering the news that Skenes would be starting the All-Star Game, Dan Patrick asked the Pirates star about which player he was most looking forward to facing. "I can't put one guy above the others," Skenes said. "I'm guessing it's going to be Henderson, Soto, and Judge, so they're all pretty dang good players," he continued.

It remains to be seen what the official starting lineup will be for the American League, however, if Skenes is tasked with facing Gunnar Henderson, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, it will be a true clash of the titans. This year's event is sure to be one to watch.

Paul Skenes has emerged as a front-runner for the National League Rookie of the Year Award

Early in the season, there were a number of different players who were considered potential contenders for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Some of those players included Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs and Jackson Merrill of the Milwaukee Brewers.

While those two have continued to have strong seasons for their clubs, Skenes has simply been performing at another level. Through 66.1 innings of work this season, Skenes has posted an impressive 6-0 record with a 1.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts. There is plenty of time left and things could change, however, if the Pirates star can keep things rolling he will be a lock to win the award.