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

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will be the starting pitcher for the American League at the All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Atlanta's Truist Park. MLB made the announcement on Saturday night; the selection was made by New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the AL manager.