Phillies Upset Over Jacob Missionowski’s All-Star Selection

The Phillies are not pleased with the decision to include Jacob Missionowski in the All-Star Game. The rookie from the Brewers was picked to take the place of Matthew Boyd after just a handful of starts, specifically five, and 25 innings pitched. This marks a break from the 2024 record held by Pirates pitcher Paul Skens, who had 11 wins before his selection.

This news wasn’t received well in the Philadelphia clubhouse. “What a joke,” said Turner, expressing his disbelief, as reported by Athletics. “It’s frustrating. I mean, it’s bad, a guy.”

Nick Castellanos chimed in, stating, “It’s turning into a savanna banana.” The Phillies have two pitchers who seemed deserving of All-Star honors: Christopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez. Both were overlooked, especially since the team’s ace, Zach Wheeler, opted out of participating.

Sanchez’s name has often come up as a candidate, particularly highlighted by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Chris Rose from John Boy Media. So far this season, Sanchez has a solid 2.59 ERA with 116 strikeouts across 107 and two-thirds innings, placing him among the top twelve in the National League.

“If he’s not an All-Star, then who is?” Turner remarked, underscoring Sanchez’s qualifications. Sanchez found himself excluded as he pitched in the Phillies’ last game before the break against the Padres, a decision his teammates opposed.

Realmuto stated, “It shouldn’t be that way.” Kyle Schwarber, the only player on the squad set to play in the game, added, “He should still be recognized as an All-Star.”

Suarez has been limited on innings after missing the early part of the season but has maintained an impressive 1.94 ERA in 83 and two-thirds innings. Realmuto said, “This is how MLB operates now. There’s nothing against Missionowski. But Sanchez and Suarez absolutely deserve this.”

Reports indicate that the MLB had conditions for a couple of All-Star selections. Suarez was purportedly told by league officials that he could make the All-Star team, contingent upon him agreeing to pitch the required innings. Instead, he opted to rest during the second half of the season.

Schwarber remarked, “Even if you’re going to inquire, he should be classified as an All-Star at that point. It’s not just about being available to pitch.”

There were talks about Sanchez needing to “enable himself” for more innings due to his Sunday outing, a claim his agent has denied, stating that Sanchez would have been happy to take on the responsibility.

“I’m sorry,” Schwarber expressed regarding their snubs. “I wish my teammates were there. We know what we have. And I think we appreciate that.”