Will Tarik Skubal start 2024 All-Star Game? A.J. Hinch has made his pitch. [Video]

DETROIT — Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch called an old friend while he was driving into Comerica Park this week.

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, as skipper of the defending World Series champions, is also the manager for the American League All-Star squad.

That means he gets to pick the starting pitcher.

And, since Tigers All-Star lefty Tarik Skubal didn’t pitch against the Rangers this year, Hinch wanted to make sure that Bochy knew all about him.

“I just gave him my thoughts on Tarik’s year,” Hinch said. “He didn’t need my advice, but I wanted him to know about our player. He’s got a tough call to make. I just wanted him to hear my perspective and sell our player as someone who is well deserving.”

Other candidates for the starting nod could include Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox; Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals; and Corbin Burnes of the Baltimore Orioles.

Skubal is 10-3 …