Phillies Call Out MLB Over All-Star Snubs: ‘What a Joke’ After Brewers Rookie Makes the Cut

SAN DIEGO — Recently, the Phillies organized a special flight for the All-Star Game in Atlanta. They anticipated sending a good number of players, but only Kyle Schwarber made it onto the roster.

“It’s unfortunate,” Schwarber said. “I wish my teammates could be there. We’re grateful for what we’ve got.”

The mood shifted from disappointment to frustration after the Phillies’ loss to the San Diego Padres. Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that Milwaukee’s rookie pitcher, Jacob Misiorowski, would join the All-Star team, bypassing other deserving players like Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez.

“That’s a joke,” Trea Turner remarked. “It’s just terrible.”

Teammate J.T. Realmuto added, “Nothing against Misiorowski, but Sánchez and Suárez deserve to be there.” Nick Castellanos echoed their sentiments, comparing the situation to a less serious spectacle: “It’s turning into the Savannah Bananas.”

This issue highlights a growing divide between how players view All-Star status and how MLB selects which players to feature. Many believe that recent selections focus more on marketing than merit. Turner commented, “The All-Star Game isn’t about the best players anymore; it’s about ticket sales and social media presence.”

Sánchez boasts a 2.59 ERA, ranking fourth in the National League, yet he missed selection mainly because he’s pitching in a regular-season game the same day as the All-Star Game. According to MLB rules, a player must agree to pitch to be considered as a replacement.

“If he’s not an All-Star, then who is?” Turner pointed out. The league has named a total of 79 All-Stars, with 15 being replacements. Players feel it’s unjust to punish Sánchez for competing in a crucial game for the team.

Ranger Suárez, who has a remarkable 1.94 ERA, also turned down an All-Star nod to focus on the rest of the season. MLB told him that pitching in the game would secure his spot as an All-Star. “If they think he’s good enough to ask, then he should be recognized as an All-Star,” Schwarber said.

The selection process itself is often criticized. While every team gets at least one representative, it does not guarantee that the best players will receive honors. Each year sees discussions about fairness in selections, but the Misiorowski decision feels like it sets a troubling new standard. Castellanos added, “MLB seems focused on the most marketable players, and it’s just about bringing in views.”

Even pitchers like Zack Wheeler chose to skip the All-Star Game this year to maintain their routines. “He wants to stay in shape for the second half of the season,” manager Rob Thomson explained.

For the Phillies, the All-Star Game isn’t just an exhibition; it reflects players’ careers and legacies. Each player wants recognition and the chance to be celebrated as an “X-time All-Star” later on. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially among the players who feel overlooked, like Sánchez.

Turner concluded, “It’s unacceptable that he can’t even be named an All-Star just because he can’t pitch that day. It’s ridiculous.”

The dialogue surrounding player selection continues to evolve, and fans, players, and pundits alike are watching closely to see how these trends shape the game’s future. You can find more statistics and insights on All-Star selections here.

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Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, MLB