The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft has been named to the National League All-Star team, likely as a replacement for teammate Paul Skenes.
It will be the first All-Star appearance for the 26-year-old Ashcraft, who leads Pirates starters in wins (nine), ERA (3.24) ERA, strikeouts (122), innings (108 1/3) and quality starts (10) this season.
The 6-foot-5, 218-pound Ashcraft, a 2018 second-round pick by the Pirates, ranks in the top in the major leagues in innings and strikeouts.
Skenes was named to his third consecutive All-Star Game, but the Pirates ace told reporters over the weekend that he intends to pitch Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers and won’t play in the Midsummer Classic on July 14 in Philadelphia.
