Before Tarik Skubal learned hed be the American Leagues starter at the All-Star Game, he received a call and a question from Max Fried. The Yankees ace asked Skubal if he wanted to serve as the opening pitcher, and then added that I think you deserve it, . I was just wondering if you wanted to start it, Skubal, who did, recalled Fried saying. Yankees manager Aaron Boone managing the AL after winning the pennant in 2024 eventually called a day later with the news, with Skubal starting alongside the National Leagues Paul Skenes during the Midsummer Cla sic on Tuesday. Tarik Skubal throws a pitch during his July 11 start for the Tigers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Explore More It was actually a Ryan Brasier Jersey really cool conversation [with Fried], Skubal said, according to MLive. Its a very profe sional thing to do, and Ive got a ton of respect for guys that do stuff like that. Its unclear when the conversation specifically occurred, but Fried, who spent the first eight years of his career with the Braves before inking a $218 million deal in free agency, had emerged as an option to start before getting replaced by Carlos Rodn on the All-Star Game roster last week. The game will occur at Atlantas Truist Park, and Fried had resembled the ace the Yankees envisioned with an ERA that sat at 1.92 when the calendar flipped to July though it has since climbed to 2.43 after his last three outings. Max Fried throws a pitch during his July 6 start. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Just a lot of machinations, Boone said Friday of the decision for Fried to get replaced for the All-Star Game. Hes obviously pitching [Saturday], so its a little shorter turnaround. Weve worked through it a lot over these last couple days. Fried then exited his start one day later after just three innings and 73 pitches with a blister on his finger, which is an i sue that has prompted trips to the injured list in past seasons. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Skubal won the American Leagues Cy Young Award last season and, at just 28 years old, has emerged as one of MLBs top young pitchers alongside Skenes. Acro s his first 19 starts in 2025, he collected a 2.23 ERA, and he threw at least six innings in 13 of those outings while allowing more than three earned runs in just four. Brent Honeywell Jersey