Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not among those mad about Jacob Misiorowski’s upcoming All-Star Game appearance.
The Brewers flamethrower was selected for the Midsummer Classic despite having just five major league starts under his belt, the lowest total for a player in the game.
As such, he’s been a target for criticism by fans, pundits and even his fellow MLBers.
But Roberts, manager of the National League squad, told reporters Monday that it was “an easy decision” to include the young pitcher.
“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. It’s about the fans and what the fans want to see.”
Misiorowski made his MLB debut on June 12 and quickly capitivated fans with his hard-throwing ways — his first big league pitch clocked in at 100.5 mph.
While his first start was abbreviated due to an injury, he finished with five dominant innings.
Misiorowski has a 4-1 record with a 2.81 ERA, 33 strikeouts and has only allowed 12 hits in 25 ⅔ innings pitched.
His late arrival to the Brewers and a lack of experience have irked some NL rivals — chiefly the Philadelphia Phillies.
“What a joke,” Philly shortstop Trea Turner said Sunday, per The Athletic. “That’s f—ing terrible. I mean that’s terrible, dude.”
While Misiorowski is the target for the Phillies’ anger, the reasoning is the youngster getting the nod over the likes of Christopher Sanchez, who is 8-2 with a 2.50 ERA.
“[It] 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, slugger Kyle Schwarber, Philly’s lone All-Star, said. “It’s not his fault that he’s only pitched five games and he got named.”
Even with all the controversy, Misiorowski is enjoying his time as an All-Star.
“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.”