New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was unsure of the severity of Max Fried’s blister on his left index finger, a day after the All-Star left-hander left his start after three innings.

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.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried contacted Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal regarding the American League starting spot in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.