Detroit – The genesis of Tarik Skubal being named the American League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game Tuesday began with a phone call from Yankees ace Max Fried. “It was actually a really cool conversation from his perspective, because of his history with Atlanta and all that stuff,” Skubal said.

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.