Phillies Criticize MLB Over Rookie Misiorowski All-Star Selection

The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed strong dissatisfaction with Major League Baseball's decision to select Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski for the All-Star Game over more seasoned Phillies pitchers Christopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez. Misiorowski, who has made just five career starts, was chosen primarily due to his availability to pitch during the game, a requirement MLB imposed for replacement players. Phillies players including Nick Castellanos, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto openly criticized the selection, with Turner calling it "a joke" and Castellanos accusing MLB of prioritizing marketability by comparing the situation to the Savannah Bananas. Despite Sánchez's impressive 1.94 ERA and significant innings pitched, he was left off the roster because he was scheduled to start a regular-season game, a factor players found unfair. Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler were originally Phillies All-Stars, but Wheeler opted out, and the team hoped replacements would include Sánchez or Suárez, neither of whom were selected. The controversy highlights broader concerns about MLB's All-Star selection criteria and the impact on players' recognition and legacies.