07/14/25 04:50:00
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07/14 16:48 CDT Dave Roberts defends Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star selection as
an 'easy answer'
Dave Roberts defends Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star selection as an 'easy answer'
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- National League All-Star manager Dave Roberts said including
Milwaukee rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski on his team was "an easy
answer" despite complaints from some players over his inclusion after just five
big league appearances.
"If it brings excitement, attention to our game, then I'm all about it,"
Roberts said before Monday's Home Run Derby.
"I think for me, kind of my North Star is the All-Star Game should be the
game's best players," the Los Angeles Dodgers manager added before also
addressing the other side of the argument by adding "It's about the fans and
what the fans want to see."
Misiorowski has pitched in only five games, a record low for an All-Star,
creating a debate between those who say the game is for the most deserving
players and those who say the game is for the fans.
The 23-year-old created an instant stir when he threw a 100.5 mph fastball for
his first pitch in the big leagues. Oh, and for good measure, he opened that
debut on June 12 against St. Louis by throwing five no-hit innings before
leaving with cramping in the Brewers' 6-0 win.
The 6-foot-7 rookie is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA and has 33 strikeouts with only 12
hits allowed in 25 2/3 innings. It's an impressive debut, but some players
still believe the right-hander hasn't been in the game long enough to merit
All-Star consideration over more established players.
Philadelphia's Trea Turner was outspoken in his criticism of the decision to
add Misiorowski to the team when Phillies' left-hander Cristopher Snchez, who
is 8-2 with a 2.50 ERA, didn't make the team. The Phillies also lobbied for
left-hander Ranger Sua?rez (7-3, 1.94).
"What a joke," Turner told reporters.
Misiorowski said Monday he wasn't offended.
"They're not upset with me," he said, adding he is as surprised as anyone to
find himself in Atlanta for Tuesday night's game.
"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."
Turner's teammate, All-Star Kyle Schwarber, said Monday the attempt by Phillies
players to speak up for Snchez and Sua?rez "was not an attack at Misiorowski
by any means. It's an honor for him that he's here and it should be an honor
for him. It's not his fault that he's only pitched five games and he got named."
Schwarber said Misiorowski could be an All-Star "every year that he pitches.
It's just more of the fact of our guys were having some really good years and
some pretty good every day starts and numbers. You want them to feel like
they're gonna get represented the way that they should be."
Schwarber added that he would likely talk to Misiorowski during All-Star week
and would tell him "he's doing a great job at what he's doing and he's going to
be a perennial All-Star for years to come."
Roberts said he plans to bring Misiorowski into the game as early as the fifth
inning. "And it's going to be electric," Roberts said. "So the fans, the media,
you're going to love it."
Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, 37, is on his 11th All-Star roster, this
time as a legend pick by commissioner Rob Manfred. When asked about the
conflicting opinions about Misiorowski, Kershaw said "I don't think it's
conflicting. I think everybody wants the best players here."
San Francisco right-hander Robbie Ray, 33, said Misiorowski has "an electric
arm. He's a special talent and I'm excited to watch him pitch."
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, who is serving on Roberts' staff and has
experience selecting an All-Star roster, said there's room for a player as
inexperienced as Misiorowski to find a spot in Tuesday night's showcase.
"You know what? It's an exhibition game," Snitker said. "He's another great
talent. ... There are some guys that are very deserving. It is what it is."
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
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