2 Detroit Tigers Have Been picked to the All-Star Game For First Time Since 2017 Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal and outfielder Riley Greene have been picked to compete in the 2024 All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, marking their first appearances in the famous game.
Skubal and Greene’s Outstanding Seasons for the Detroit Tigers
Skubal, 27, drafted in the ninth round in 2018, has emerged as one of the American League’s top pitchers. Overcoming an injury that sidelined him for much of 2023, he has demonstrated dominance this season with a 10-3 record, a 2.37 ERA, and 132 strikeouts over 110 innings. “You try to kind of hide the emotion, but it’s special to be announced in front of the team and these guys that you go to battle with every day,” Skubal said after finding out about his selection just hours before a career-high 13-strikeout game.
Greene, 23, chosen fifth overall in the 2019 draft, has continued to improve since his 2022 debut. This season, he boasts a .261 batting average, coupled with 17 doubles, five triples, 17 home runs, and a .356 on-base percentage. Expressing his excitement, Greene said, “Being named [to the All-Star team] is just something that shows you’re doing the right things, you’re helping your team when you’re playing well. It’s an honor that shows what you’ve been doing.”
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch shared his pride in his players and the team’s support for them. “It’s really awesome because I got to see the reaction of the players — Tarik and Riley were incredibly excited — and their teammates were so supportive and happy for them,” Hinch said. “It never gets old delivering good news and the team responded accordingly.”
Milestone for the Detroit Tigers
The announcement of their selection adds a major milestone to the Tigers’ history of All-Star choices, with the last player selection via player or fan vote dating back to 2016. Greene, who hopes to surprise his family in Florida over the All-Star break, and Skubal’s successes represent the Tigers’ hopeful future. The rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game were determined using a combination of fan votes, player ballots, and commissioner’s office selections. Skubal and Greene’s choices recognize their great achievements and services to the squad this season.
