(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The MLB announced today that Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft will replace fellow Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game next Tuesday, July 14th in Philadelphia.

Skenes was the only Pirate player to make it to the National League’s team this year, but since he stated on Saturday that he is pitching tonight’s game against the Atlanta Braves and Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park, he is ineligible to play in the 2026 edition of baseball’s all-star game.

Ashcraft’s 2026 statistics going into his next start against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on Friday include 122 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.24 and a 9-3 record.

Skenes also requested for Ashcraft to take his place, and this makes Ashcraft a first-time MLB All-Star.