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.

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.

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