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.

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.

Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal reveals how the New York Yankees influenced his placement as the starting pitcher for the AL All-Star team.