SPORTS

Pitchers Left Out: Phillies Frustrated by All-Star Snubs

San Diego, USASat Jul 12 2025

The Phillies are upset. They thought more of their players would make it to the All-Star Game. Only Kyle Schwarber got the nod. The team feels like Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez deserved a spot too. They have great stats.

Stats Speak Volumes

  • Sánchez has a low ERA and many innings pitched.
  • Suárez has an even lower ERA.

League's Controversial Pick

The league picked a rookie pitcher, Jacob Misiorowski, instead. He has only pitched a few games. The Phillies see this as a joke. They think the league is more interested in who sells tickets than who deserves it.

The League's Offer and Sánchez's Dilemma

The league offered Sánchez a spot if he agreed to pitch in the game. But he had to play for the Phillies the day before. He said no. The league says he has to pitch to be an All-Star. His agent says he is willing to pitch.

Unclear Rules and Popularity Over Merit

The rules are not clear. The league picks players based on votes and their own choices. But the best players are not always chosen. The Phillies think the league is focusing on who is popular, not who is the best. They feel like the All-Star Game is not about the best players anymore.

Wheeler's Decision and Phillies' Stance

Zack Wheeler, a Phillies pitcher, was chosen but decided not to go. He wanted to rest and stay ready for the team. The Phillies would rather their pitchers rest than play in the All-Star Game. But they also want their players to get the recognition they deserve.

Phillies' Hope for Change

The Phillies are not happy. They think the league is making a mistake. They believe Sánchez and Suárez should be All-Stars. They hope the league changes its mind.

questions

    What alternative selection methods could MLB consider to ensure that the All-Star Game truly represents the best players in the league?
    What is the impact of players like Zack Wheeler opting out of the All-Star Game on the event's prestige and viewership?
    How do the Phillies' frustrations reflect broader concerns about fairness and transparency in MLB's All-Star selection process?

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