Phillies React Strongly to Misiorowski’s All-Star Game Selection

The Philadelphia Phillies are expressing strong discontent with the selection of Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski for the 2024 All-Star Game. Chosen as a replacement for Matthew Boyd, Misiorowski’s selection comes after just five starts and 25 2/3 innings pitched, breaking the previous record for the fewest games played before being named an All-Star, set by Pirates ace Paul Skenes.

Phillies Players Voice Their Frustrations

The decision has sparked outrage in the Phillies’ clubhouse, with players openly sharing their disbelief.

• Trea Turner stated, “What a joke. That’s f— terrible. I mean, that’s terrible, dude.”
• Nick Castellanos added humorously, “It’s turning into the Savannah Bananas.”

The sentiment is that the snubbing of two deserving Phillies pitchers, Christopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez, is unjust given their performances this season.

Strong Performances by Sánchez and Suárez

Despite losing ace Zack Wheeler, who opted out of the game, both Sánchez and Suárez have put up impressive numbers:

• Christopher Sánchez:

  • ERA: 2.59
  • Strikeouts: 116 over 107 2/3 innings
  • Ranking: Top 12 in the National League

  Turner emphasized Sánchez’s merits saying, “If he’s not an All-Star, then no one is.”

• Ranger Suárez:
  • ERA: 1.94
  • Innings Pitched: 83 2/3
  • Note: Suárez missed the first month of the season due to a back injury.

A Controversial Selection Process

The snubbing of these two pitchers comes with several caveats. Sánchez had been chosen to start on Sunday against the Padres, which the Phillies believe should not affect his All-Star candidacy.

J.T. Realmuto remarked, “That shouldn’t be the case,” while Kyle Schwarber, the lone Phillies player attending the All-Star Game, emphasized, “He should be named an All-Star still.”

MLB’s Conditional Offer

Reports suggest MLB officials offered to name Sánchez and Suárez as All-Stars under specific conditions. Suárez was approached to agree to pitch an inning, which he declined in favor of resting for the second half of the season.

Schwarber expressed his disappointment: “Even if you’re going to ask him that, then he should be labeled an All-Star at that point—not just if you can pitch.”

Conflicting Perspectives on Participation

Adding to the confusion, Sánchez was allegedly asked to “make himself available” for an inning but reportedly declined. However, sources close to him have claimed that he is willing to pitch if given the opportunity.

Schwarber summarized the situation succinctly, stating, “It’s unfortunate… But I wish my teammates were there. We know what we have, and I think that we’re grateful for what we have.”

Conclusion

The Phillies’ players’ vocal frustrations reflect a broader conversation regarding the All-Star selection process in Major League Baseball. While the inclusion of Jacob Misiorowski has raised eyebrows, that sentiment does little to overshadow the strong performances from players like Sánchez and Suárez, who many believe deserve more recognition for their contributions the 2024 season.

For more insights, check out the Brewers’ All-Star Game selection process and the impact of player performances on All-Star nominations.