Zack Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber were selected to represent the Philadelphia Phillies in this year’s All-Star Game, though Wheeler has opted out to stay on his regular routine and remain focused on the second half of the season. As more players decline to participate, Major League Baseball continues to name replacements. On Friday night, the league announced that Jacob Misiorowski would be added to the All-Star roster—despite having made only five career starts.
Phillies shortstop Trea Turner didn’t hold back in criticizing the decision to choose Misiorowski over his teammate Cristopher Sánchez. “What a joke,” Turner told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.
The situation is more complicated than it appears. Sánchez is scheduled to pitch on Sunday, which makes him ineligible to appear in the All-Star Game itself. According to Gelb, MLB told the Phillies that any replacement pitcher must be able to pitch in the game. Turner, however, feels that doesn’t justify overlooking Sánchez entirely.
When asked if selecting Misiorowski over more deserving players undermines the legitimacy of the All-Star Game, Turner replied, “Yeah, 100 percent. It’s not really about who’s had the best season anymore—it’s about who sells tickets or gets the most attention on social media. That’s what the game’s become.”
While Misiorowski has impressed in his five big-league starts and become a hot topic around the league, Turner believes Sánchez deserves the honor based on his performance. He argues that the league should still name Sánchez an All-Star, even if he can’t pitch, and simply replace him on the active roster.
“That excuse—that he can’t pitch that day—is unacceptable,” Turner said. “He should still be named an All-Star.”
Turner himself could be considered a snub. He’s slashing .292/.345/.437 with 11 home runs and leads the National League in hits. Notably, Misiorowski now holds the record for the fewest games played before being named an All-Star, surpassing Paul Skenes, who made the team last season after 11 appearances.