Dave Roberts defends Jacob Misiorowski’s All-Star selection as an ‘easy answer’

ATLANTA AP National League All-Star manager Dave Roberts explained including Milwaukee rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski on his organization was an easy answer despite complaints from various players over his inclusion after just five big league appearances If it brings excitement attention to our challenge then I m all about it Roberts explained before Monday s Home Run Derby I think for me kind of my North Star is the All-Star Competition should be the battle 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 meeting is for the majority of deserving players and those who say the competition is for the fans The -year-old created an instant stir when he threw a mph fastball for his first pitch in the big leagues Oh and for good measure he opened that debut on June against St Louis by throwing five no-hit innings before leaving with cramping in the Brewers - win The -foot- rookie is - with a ERA and has strikeouts with only hits allowed in innings It s an impressive debut but specific players still believe the right-hander hasn t been in the competition 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 gang when Phillies left-hander Cristopher S nchez who is - with a ERA didn t make the group The Phillies also lobbied for left-hander Ranger Sua rez - What a joke Turner recounted reporters Misiorowski commented Monday he wasn t offended They re not upset with me he commented adding he is as surprised as anyone to find himself in Atlanta for Tuesday night s contest The last five weeks have been insane Misiorowski revealed 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 announced Monday the attempt by Phillies players to speak up for S nchez 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 announced Misiorowski could be an All-Star every year that he pitches It s just more of the fact of our guys were having certain really good years and various 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 noted he plans to bring Misiorowski into the contest as early as the fifth inning And it s going to be electric Roberts stated So the fans the media you re going to love it Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw is on his th All-Star roster this time as a legend pick by commissioner Rob Manfred When questioned about the conflicting opinions about Misiorowski Kershaw announced I don t think it s conflicting I think everybody wants the best players here San Francisco right-hander Robbie Ray announced 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 announced there s room for a performer as inexperienced as Misiorowski to find a spot in Tuesday night s showcase You know what It s an exhibition event Snitker explained He s another great talent There are selected guys that are very deserving It is what it is AP MLB https apnews com hub MLB Source