As MLB was going through the process of naming replacement players to the All-Star Game in Atlanta, they mixed in an interesting — if not polarizing — decision to include Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski on the National League roster.
Commissioner Rob Manfred’s decision to add Misiorowski to the All-Star Game drew the ire of the Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse. Several players reasoned Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suarez were deserving of being included on the NL team even if they weren’t going to pitch in the game.
“I think it’s a deeper conversation,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts began when asked during All-Star Game media availability if there needs to be reform with how pitchers are selected.
Roberts is managing in the All-Star Game for the fourth time.
“I think obviously there’s a lot of things in baseball we’ve evolved as far as rules and rosters, pace of play, and all that. Now when we get to the All-Star Game, I think there’s things the commissioner, Players Association, are going to be digging into,” he continued.
“But I think for me, kind of my north star, is the All-Star Game should be the game’s best players. It’s about the fans and what the fans want to see. So for this young kid to be named an All-Star, I couldn’t be more excited for him. He is thrilled to be here.
“I’m going to get him in there probably the fifth or sixth inning, something like that. The seventh. It’s going to be electric. The fans, the media, you’re going to love it. So for me, it’s an easy answer, because if it brings excitement and attention to our game, then I’m all about it.”
Misiorowski, who made his MLB debut this year, has started just five games. That broke an MLB record held by Paul Skenes with his 11 starts last year before appearing in his first Midsummer Classic were the fewest in a career for an All-Star.
Skenes is now becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to start the All-Star Games during each of the first two seasons of his career.
Misiorowski, nicknamed ‘The Miz,’ has similarly tantalizing potential, which Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers witnessed firsthand just one week ago. Kershaw at that point wasn’t overly familiar with Misiorowski, but praised the right-hander after he finished with 12 strikeouts over six innings.
“I’m probably not the right person to ask, because I’m not really deserving to be here either,” answered Kershaw when asked about MLB giving Misiorowski an All-Star nod.
Kershaw himself was the benefactor of a decision by Manfred as he earned an 11th career All-Star selection by way of being a “Legend Pick” in recognition of his carer.
“The Phillies had a point. Those guys had great seasons, but I guess they were asked, from what I understood. I don’t really know the whole situation. He is really good, so I’m sure he’ll get up there and throw really hard, and I’m sure that’s what people want to see,” Kershaw said.
“The All-Star Game is about doing what people want to see. It’s an entertainment factor. Obviously, I think people who are deserving should get to come. Hopefully everybody that was got asked. …
“It’s hard, because as a starting pitcher, you pitch on Sunday, you’re not eligible. If you pitch Saturday, that’s a pretty quick turnaround to try and pitch one inning max effort. Starting pitching is just a hard situation regardless.”
Jacob Misiorowski ignoring All-Star criticism
For his part, the 23-year-old Misiorowski is basking in his first career All-Star Game selection and hasn’t sensed any direct resentment.
“I think it’s just one of those things that it’s just the way it happened,” Misiorowski said. “It’s not really anything I’ve done. I’m not going to say no to MLB about coming to the game, so it is what it is.”
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