A lot of people are upset about Jacob Misiorowski making the MLB All-Star Game.
Misiorowski himself is surprised by his selection. But he’s confident the critics aren’t actually upset with him. The Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching phenom addressed the criticism of his late addition to the All-Star Game on Monday.
“They’re not upset with me,” he said, per ESPN.
He’s almost certainly right in most instances. People aren’t angry with Misiorowski for a decision that was out of his hands. But plenty are critical that he made the NL All-Star team despite playing in just five games, the fewest in MLB history for a player selected to the All-Star Game.
Nobody’s doubting Misiorowski’s talent. The 23-year-old has taken baseball by storm with a fastball that regularly exceeds 100 mph, a devastating slider and a diving curveball that have combined to baffle MLB hitters since Misiorowski made his MLB debut for the Brewers on June 12.
The result is a sterling 2.81 ERA and 0.896 WHIP with 33 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings pitched. But it’s that 25 2/3 innings tally that has baseball in an uproar ahead of Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
Despite Misiorowski’s tremendous performance on the mound, there were inarguably better candidates for his roster spot who have played throughout the first half of the season. Philadelphia Phillies pitchers Ranger Suárez (1.94 ERA, 78 Ks in 83 2/3 IP) and Cristopher Sánchez (2.50 ERA, 122 Ks in 115 IP) are among them.
Their Phillies teammates were furious when MLB announced Friday that Misiorowski would replace Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd on the NL roster.
What a joke, Trea Turner told The Athletic of Misiorowski’s selection. Thats f***ing terrible. I mean, thats terrible, dude.
Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos joined his teammates in lambasting MLB. Its turning into the Savannah Bananas, he said.
But Atlanta Braves All-Star pitcher Chris Sale put things in perspective in terms of Misiorowski’s experience.
That’s the perspective Misiorowski is certainly hoping for from his fellow All-Stars and likely the one he’ll experience Tuesday. But whatever his experience in Atlanta, it won’t be what he was planning for.
“The last five weeks have been insane,” Misiorowski said. “I thought the All-Star break would be a chance to sit down and reflect. Now we’re here.”