Pair Of Pirates Predicted To Earn All-Star Spots originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to a good start and that could reflect with some players heading to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game.

Pittsburgh had a shoo-in to be an All-Star in Paul Skenes but after that, the Pirates have some interesting candidates. As All-Star voting has begun, former MLB general manager and now analyst for The Athletic Jim Bowden agreed that Skenes would be an All-Star.

“It doesn’t look like Skenes will win another Cy Young Award this season, but he certainly will be in the All-Star Game, as he’s been solid after a bad first start of the season,” Bowden wrote. “His 2.60 FIP is nearly half a run lower than his ERA and his expected ERA (xERA) is 2.29.”

Along with Skenes, Bowden predicts fellow pitcher Braxton Aschraft would also earn an All-Star spot for the Pirates.

“Ashcraft is the most underrated pitcher in the NL, with a 3.28 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings. Bryce Elder of the Braves is another strong choice, but in my book, Ashcraft is just ahead of him for a spot,” Bowden added.

Ashcraft would be a first-time All-Star as he’s been stellar this season, and it would be well-deserved. Skenes, meanwhile, has been named to the All-Star Game in both of his seasons.

The Pirates will begin a three-game home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.

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