Jacob Misiorowski’s All-Star Selection Brings Strong Pushback From Philadelphia Phillies Players

Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher Jacob Misiorowski has been selected for the MLB All-Star Game after pitching in just five career games. Misiorowski has been excellent in his starts, posting a 4-1 record with a 2.81 ERA. He has also recorded 33 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched. His five appearances are the fewest appearances a player has made to be named an All-Star in MLB history. 

The Philadelphia Phillies Had Some Words For This Decision 

Several Philadelphia Phillies have criticized MLB for naming Jacob Misiorowski an All-Star. The reason Phillies players have a problem with the selection is that Phillies starters Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez are having arguably All-Star-worthy seasons in many more appearances than Misiorowski. Sanchez is 7-2 with a 2.59 ERA, and has recorded 116 strikeouts in 107.2 innings. Suarez is 7-3 with a 1.93 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 83.2 innings pitched. 

Both Philadelphia Phillies pitchers have been statistically better than Jacob Misiorowski, yet they weren’t named to the All-Star team. According to The Athletic, Catcher JT Realmuto said, “That’s just how MLB does it now. No offense to the Misiorowski kid, but those two are deserving of being on the team in the first place. There’s no doubt.” Nick Castellanos commented and described MLB’s All-Star Selection as “turning into the Savannah Bananas.” 

Jacob Misiorowski Is Not the First Rookie To Be Named An Early All-Star

Misiorowski isn’t the first rookie pitcher to be named to an All-Star Game with limited appearances in their rookie season. Paul Skenes was named the All-Star Game starter for the NL just 11 starts into his big-league career. This could indicate a shift in how MLB’s philosophy has changed on naming All-Stars. 

However, five career games seem a bit extreme. The All-Star Game is supposed to be premised on the game’s best hitters and pitchers coming together in one location to play against each other, but this selection puts that premise into question. It seems now that pitchers who are hyped up and are having good stretches are making it, instead of looking at players statistically like it used to be.