Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal received a surprising phone call from a Yankees pitcher that confirmed his selection as an All-Star Game starter.

Before Tarik Skubal learned he’d be the American League’s starter at the All-Star Game, he received a call — and a question — from Max Fried.

Snubbing Fried in favor of Skubal would have been awkward, to say the least. So it was notable when Skubal revealed Sunday morning that it was Fried himself who helped smooth out the situation. Skubal said he recently received a call from Fried, who asked if he wanted to start the All-Star Game.